ANNAPOLIS, MD -- The third time was the charm for getting fire-safe cigarette legislation through the General Assembly here.
The measure that passed the Senate 47-0 on Wednesday now awaits the signature of Gov. Martin O'Malley.
Once that happens, possibly as early as next week, Maryland will be the 11th state to have a law requiring that tobacco manufacturers only sell "self-extinguishing" cigarettes.
Maryland Fire Marshal Bill Barnard said Wednesday he was delighted that the measure passed. Last year, it died in the Senate.
Barnard said he is confident the law will be a life-saver once it becomes effective next July. "This was not an anti-smoking bill. It's always been a fire and life safety issue."
He pointed out during the past decade, smoking materials have been directly linked to the blazes that claimed 175 people. They also were blamed for 17 of the 60 fatal fires last year.
A $5 million blaze on Solomon's Island that destroyed two restaurants, four condominiums and two boats was traced to improperly discarded cigarettes.
The National Fire Protection Association reports 700-900 people die annually in blazes caused by smoking materials.
Last week, Kentucky's governor signed a similar law; and Oregon's measure has received a favorable nod.
Other states with "fire-safe" laws include New York, Massachusetts, Utah, Vermont, California, Illinois, New Jersey and New Hampshire.
Reports indicate law makers in several other states are considering the issue.
