A fire that burned through a North Seattle motel was caused by someone smoking in bed, according to Seattle Fire Investigators.

On June 22, Seattle Engine 24 and Engine 31 responded to a fire at a motel located at 12035 Aurora Avenue North. The firefighters knocked the fire down in less than 5 minutes. Investigators quickly discovered the fires’ cause was accidental, started by the motel room’s occupant smoking in bed.

In an average year, structure fires are reported at one of every 12 hotels or motels according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Smoking material started 6% of those fires but caused 72% of the deaths according to NFPA.

There are some easy things travelers can do to keep themselves safe during their stays away from home according to NFPA. First, choose a hotel/motel that has both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system. Second, when you enter the room, review the escape plan posted. Also, take time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Finally, if an alarm sounds, leave right away, use the stairs and avoid using the elevators.