Kentucky, a state whose economy once rested on tobacco cultivation, has passed a law requiring tobacco companies to only sell "fire-safe" cigarettes to consumers, the Associated Press reported March 26.

"Kentucky, with its rich tobacco history, makes a statement that this is very much a public safety initiative," said Lorraine Carli, a spokeswoman for the National Fire Prevention Association. Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who signed the bill into law last week, added, "The value of this kind of cigarette is priceless."

The bill was passed by lawmakers after a February fire killed 10 people in Bardstown, Ky.; fire officials say the fire was started by a cigarette dropped into a chair when someone fell asleep.

In addition to Kentucky, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Utah and Vermont have passed laws limiting sales to fire-safe cigarettes, which are designed to go out quickly if they are left unattended.