CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire is joining four other states in requiring that all cigarettes sold be self-extinguishing or "fire safe." If left unsmoked, a fire-safe cigarette will go out instead of continuing to burn. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 700 to 800 people are killed annually in the United States by fires started by unattended cigarettes. "The technology exists to make our citizens safer, and with this legislation we are taking advantage of that technology to help protect them," Gov. John Lynch said before signing the law Wednesday. New York was the first state to require the cigarettes in 2004. California, Vermont and Illinois also have enacted similar laws. Vermont's law took effect this year. California's law takes effect next year and Illinois' law in 2008. New Hampshire's law will take effect on Oct. 1, 2007. Cigarette manufacturers argue there should be a single, nationwide standard for fire-safe cigarettes rather than various state regulations, but Congress has not passed legislation. The New Hampshire law would automatically be repealed if federal standards are enacted. Retailers violating the law face civil fines of up to $1,000 per sale depending on the number of cigarettes sold. Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

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