Mulch Fire Prevention |
By Fire Lieutenant Branden Sisca | |
May 7, 2014 | |
As we move into the warmer months we are starting to see an increasing number of mulch fires in our response area. Most of these fires occur as a result of mulch having dried out due to temperature conditions and little rainfall. Heat sources such as: improper cigarette disposal, covered lighting, and even internal decomposition can all play a factor in igniting mulch. Often, burning mulch is up against the side of a residential or commercial structure and many times it goes unseen. This burning/smoldering mulch could ignite the underneath of the siding and spread into the building with the potential to cause major damage. If you see mulch burning against a building call 9-1-1 so that the fire department can be dispatched. To reduce the potential for a fire in landscaping mulch, consider following these guidelines: - Recognize that when the weather is hot and there has been little or no - When entering a business, if you see anything smoldering in a landscaped - Grounds maintenance crews should be aware of the conditions that are - Provide approved receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to - Provide a minimum 18-inch clearance between landscaped mulch beds and - Provide proper clearance for electric devices such as decorative lights by - Keep landscaped mulch beds moist, if possible. - Use noncombustible mulch such as rock or pea gravel around the gas - Use only the manufacturer’s recommended size/wattage for yard light - Use only electrical devices and cords listed for outdoor use, and follow the - Consider replacing landscaping mulch with decorative stone. Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 and summon the fire department. We would be happy to respond out and ensure that a mulch fire is extinguished and that there has been no additional fire spread. |
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