TWO pole-mounted waste bins in Doonside were destroyed in suspected cigarette-related fires earlier this month, prompting eThekwini Municipality to issue a public warning.

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The fires occurred at 21 Main Road and on Seadoone Road between the N2 bridge and Leslie Road intersection.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said these bins are intended for general litter, not cigarette disposal.

“Not only is this practice damaging to municipal property, but it also poses a significant fire risk, particularly in dry and windy conditions, where a small flame can quickly escalate into a more serious hazard. Throwing lit cigarette butts into pole-mounted bins may seem harmless, but it is a serious fire risk. When a burning cigarette lands inside, it can ignite the entire bin or even spread fire to nearby areas,” she said.

Sisilana urged smokers to always fully extinguish cigarettes before discarding them, warning that a small ember can easily cause extensive damage.

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