Q: Is it grounds for a citation to drop cigarette butts on a street or someone’s property?

A: According to Mississippi Code, throwing cigarettes, cigars or anything that could ignite the grass — either on roads and highways or private property – is a misdemeanor subject to fines between $50-250.

Since 2011, all states have implemented rules that require cigarettes have reduced ignition strength to prevent fires from cigarettes left unattended, according to “The Smoking-Material Fire Problem” published by the National Fire Protection Agency in 2013.

Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey said cigarette fires were uncommon in the county, but through 2011, the NFPA report said there were an estimated 90,000 fires related to smoking resulting in 540 deaths, 1,640 injuries and $621 million in property damage. While modern “fire safe” cigarettes are much less likely to cause an ignition, they can still be dangerous in the right circumstances.

People found guilty of littering with cigarette butts or other fire hazards might also be required to pay damages, investigation expenses and do community service. Minimum and maximum fines are also doubled on subsequent convictions.

The law also states that the owner of a vehicle is held responsible for litter thrown from it. If someone notices a litterer in their neighborhood, Brookhaven Police Chief Bobby Bell said residents should try to get a tag number for police. The individual reporting the litter would be required to sign an affidavit and may also be required to testify in court. Bell said littering is against city ordinances.

“Anywhere in the state or the city, it’s illegal to litter,” Bell said.

Bell said it was uncommon for residents to complain about neighborhood littering, and there aren’t many citations issued by city police.

“Every once in awhile an officer might catch it with his eyes and write a citation, but not too often,” he said. “And we don’t really have too many complaints.”

When complaints do come in, Bell said they are typically from local business owners, rather than residents, who are complaining about littering in parking lots.