The 2024 Annual Report from the State Fire Marshal highlights the effectiveness of the Massachusetts Fire Standard Compliant Cigarette (FSC) Law, which was enacted in 2006 and became effective in 2008. The law mandates that all cigarettes sold in Massachusetts must be manufactured with specific design features that promote self-extinguishing capabilities, thereby reducing the risk of accidental fires caused by careless disposal. Since the law's implementation, there has been a significant decrease in residential cigarette fires, with annual averages dropping from 252.4 fires and 8.1 deaths (2001-2007) to 205.2 fires and 6.1 deaths (2008-2024). The report also notes a reduction in property losses and firefighter injuries, indicating that the law is achieving its intended goals.

The report further details the compliance measures taken by the Department of Fire Services (DFS), which conducts extensive testing of cigarettes to ensure adherence to the FSC standards. In 2024 alone, DFS performed over 10,000 ignition tests with a passing rate of 97.6%. The report also addresses administrative compliance issues with manufacturers, emphasizing the diligence of the Commonwealth in overseeing the FSC law. Overall, the report concludes that the FSC law continues to positively impact public safety by preventing unnecessary loss of life and property, while maintaining high compliance rates among manufacturers.