Mulch Safety
Mulch is a common sight in residential yards, around many other types of buildings and even in landscape beds that adorn our highways. Often, it is used for aesthetics, but it also serves as a practical way to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Along with the common sight of mulch use comes a less obvious but all too common consequence of mulch use – fire!
Some mulch fires may be due to spontaneous combustion, which typically happens when mulch is piled high and is allowed to remain for a long period of time. Primarily, this type of fire affects those who deal with large quantities of mulch such as commercial mulch producers, providers or landscape companies.
A mulch fire should also be a concern for the normal consumer and the general public. Most of these fires are caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials. Each year, particularly during the spring time or periods of low humidity and/or windy dry conditions, fire departments are routinely dispatched to fires in medians along our highways, fires in landscape beds at commercial properties and to building fires that originated in adjacent mulched landscape areas. There is always potential for injury and death from these fires. Additional consequences include the cost to the home and/or business owner to repair damages, the ever-present dangers that exist to responding fire crews and the fact that these preventable emergencies can render resources unavailable for other emergencies.
TIPS FOR PREVENTION
Provide a minimum 18-inch clearance between landscaped mulch beds and combustible building materials.
Recognize that when the weather is hot and there has been little or no rain for an extended time, mulch fires can start more readily.
Regularly water mulch when the weather is hot and dry to keep it moist.
If you see anything smoldering in a landscaped area, put it out if you can and report it to someone inside the building. If the burning material is not thoroughly wetted down or removed, it may reignite. Always call 9-1-1.
Be aware of conditions that are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulch beds in the afternoon, when fires are more likely to occur.
Designate outdoor smoking areas and provide approved receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances.
Do not discard cigarettes along roadways, in parking lots, mulch, or potted plants.
Consider using metal cans with sand and lids for all outdoor disposal of smoking materials.
Provide proper clearance for electric devices such as decorative lights by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended size/wattage for yard light bulbs.
Use only electrical devices and cords listed for outdoor use, and follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
Consider replacing wood mulch with less combustible materials such as cocoa shells or decorative stone. NOTE: More fire-resistant wood mulches are course and chunky because they retain moisture longer.
Use noncombustible mulch such as rock or pea gravel around the gas meter and next to the combustible portions of the structure.
Whether you are a home or business owner, York County Department of Fire and Life Safety encourages you to provide a minimum of 18-inches clearance between your structure and landscaped mulch beds. This is the first and best step you can take to lessen the danger and expense of a mulch fire on your property. If you have any questions or if you need more information, be sure to contact our office Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (757) 890-3600.