"Is a cigarette, where if it's not being used or puffed on, the cigarette will self-extinguish, extinguish itself," said Lt. Mario Hernandez of the El Paso Fire Department.

That is important, because one of the leading causes of death in the United States and especially in Texas is fires that are caused by careless smokers.

The new cigarettes will have two to three small bands of paper that will act as speed bumps and slow the process of the burn, but fire officials stress safety can't be ignored.

"Don't smoke in bed, make sure you properly extinguish your cigarettes," said Hernandez.

While they ask smokers to do thier part, fire officials will be doing what they can to make sure retailers are staying compliant with the new law.

"One of the things that we're gonna be doing, is anytime our fire units go out to do thier annual inspections, they're gonna be checking for some of these businesses who do sell cigarettes," said Hernandez.

If they find someone not complying, the state fire marshal will start investigating and that could mean hefty fines for the store.

"If you're selling non-compliant cigarettes, you could be cited $100 for each package of non-compliant cigarettes that you have in your possession at that time," said Hernandez.

One westside retailer said they changed thier inventory more than six months ago, but one thing that won't be changing is the price of the cigarettes.

All cigarette packages will have a special marking so that you know they are fire safe.