I want to congratulate New York on being the first state in the nation to require fire safe cigarettes. This step is long overdue - cigarettes are the number one cause of fire deaths in New York and the nation. I urge you to prevent the tobacco industry from delaying New York State's landmark fire safe cigarette law by promptly implementing the regulations as drafted, without changes.

The need for rapid implementation of the fire safe law is clear. Cigarette-caused fires kill one thousand victims each year. Of these deaths, 39% of the victims are not the smokers themselves - most are infants, toddlers, the elderly and infirm. Cigarette fires also result in billions of dollars in property damage and health care costs.

Congressional study groups in 1987 and 1993 concluded that it is technically feasible to develop a fire safe standard for cigarettes. And since at least the 1980s, tobacco companies have known how to manufacture cigarettes that burn less hot or self-extinguish.

Some cigarette makers have expressed concern that they will be unable to meet the state mandate - despite two years since the law was enacted and almost two decades since Congress first investigated cigarette fire safety. It's time for the tobacco industry to stop stalling and start acting to prevent fire deaths. They have known for more than 50 years that their products cause fires. More delay will result in more deaths and injuries.

Thank you for your consideration.