Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Services Warns of Increased Mulch Fire Risk

Editor's note: the following comes from a press release from Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management. It has not been edited.

As Loudoun County faces more extreme heat and minimal rain, the region is at much greater risk for mulch fires around homes and businesses. Loudoun County’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management encourages residents and business owners to follow these tips to help prevent mulch fires.

 According to Virginia Department of Fire Programs, each year Virginia’s fire service responds to a growing number of fires caused by discarded smoking materials in landscaping mulch. Factors such as below average rainfall and extremely dry conditions also increase the likelihood of mulch fires.

 Most of these fires occur in landscaped areas around businesses, as well as single and multi-family dwellings. Special dangers exist when mulch beds come in contact with combustible building materials. A mulch fire that starts next to a structure can easily burn through exterior siding and into walls.  These fires spread quickly and allow fire to extend into attic spaces undetected. Fortunately, this risk can be minimized if the public takes special precautions.

 Do your part to prevent mulch fires by following these tips from the Virginia Department of Forestry:

• Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscaping mulch beds and combustible building materials.
• Ensure proper clearance to electric devices, such as decorative lights.
• Keep landscaping mulch beds moist if possible.
• Consider using crushed rocks or stones instead of mulch.
• Use only the provided receptacles to discard your smoking material and matches.
• Do not throw lit cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco around areas that have been mulched.
• Business owners, provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Do not use mulch in or near these areas.
• If you see anything smoldering in a landscape bed, put it out if you can do so safely, or call 911.

 For fire safety tips and information, visit the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s website at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call 703-737-8600.