In recent weeks, firefighters in Prince William County have been called to a large number of brush fires.
“As the weather becomes warmer, mulch becomes drier due to temperature conditions and lack of rainfall, making mulch fires more prevalent. Mulch is a prime location for fires due to improper discarding of smoking materials, by pedestrians, in or near a mulch bed or from motor vehicles. According to the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc., mulch ignites, smolders, and produces an open flame, which can easily extend up and into a structure. Temperatures, produced by a mulch fire, are enough to ignite adjacent combustible wall finishes, especially vinyl siding, located on the exterior of the building.”
— Prince William Fire and Rescue Department
The department provided these safety tips:
Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials
NEVER discard smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and lighted
matches in plant pots, mulch-laden landscapes, flowerbeds, shrubs, bushes,
grassy areas or woods.
- Use large, deep, non-tip/sturdy ashtrays to prevent smoking
materials from igniting nearby combustibles. - Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out – Put It Out. All the Way Every Time.
Protect your home or business by providing an area for individuals to properly
extinguish and discard their smoking materials.
Landscaping
- Provide a reasonable amount of space between flammable vegetation and your home or business to create a fire-wise/fire-safe area.
- It is highly recommended to avoid the use of mulch within 18” of a structure with combustible siding.
- Avoid using highly combustible plants; use fire-resistant plants (visit your local nursery for assistance).
- Remove dead plants, trees and shrubs, wood, debris, and low tree branches.
- Keep plants watered during the heat of the summer.
- Remove small trees and plants growing under trees; they permit ground fires to jump into the tree crown.
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
- Provide proper clearance to electric devices, e.g., decorative lights.
