Mattresses and Bedding Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials caused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in residential fires. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette ignition. Wearing Apparel Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly than others. The severity of apparel burns is high.
Hospital stays average over one month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters, and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. These are relatively easy to ignite and burn rapidly. It also affects ignitability. Tight weaves or knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled surfaces.