Tips to Prevent Outside Fires

As the fall season sets in, the combination of dry mulch, fluctuating temperatures, and windy conditions increases the risk of outdoor fires. Mulch fires, in particular, pose a significant threat to both property and personal safety. These fires can be ignited by spontaneous combustion or careless disposal of smoking materials, and they can quickly spread to nearby structures, especially those with combustible exterior finishes like vinyl siding.

We urge residents and business owners to take proactive steps to prevent outdoor fires. By following a few simple safety measures, you can protect your home or business from potentially devastating fires.

Why Mulch Fires Happen

Mulch, commonly used in landscaping, becomes especially flammable during dry seasons. Fires can start in mulch beds from:

• Improperly discarded smoking materials, such as cigarettes and matches.
• Spontaneous combustion, which occurs when thick layers of mulch (6 inches or more) generate heat internally and ignite.

These fires can quickly escalate, spreading to nearby vegetation or structures.

Safety Tips to Prevent Outdoor Fires

Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials

• Never discard smoking materials like cigarettes, cigars, or matches in mulch beds, flowerpots, grassy areas, or wooded landscapes.
• Use large, sturdy ashtrays that won’t tip over, ensuring all smoking materials are fully extinguished.
• Douse cigarettes completely—in water or sand—before disposal. Remember: Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time.
• Designate a safe, outdoor area for smokers to extinguish and discard their materials properly.

Smart Landscaping Practices

• Create a fire-wise zone by leaving a safe distance between flammable vegetation and your home or business.
• Avoid placing mulch within 18 inches of any structure with combustible siding.
• Opt for fire-resistant plants and consult with your local nursery for guidance.
• Remove dead plants, low-hanging branches, and debris to eliminate potential fire fuel.
• Keep plants hydrated, especially during warm, windy days, to reduce their flammability.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Remove smaller plants or trees growing under larger ones to prevent fires from spreading to the canopy.
• Ensure proper clearance for outdoor lighting and other electric devices.

Additional Fire Prevention Measures

• Equip your home or business with an outdoor hose long enough to cover your landscape. In the event of a fire, you can quickly saturate the affected area to prevent it from spreading.
• Regularly inspect and maintain your landscaping to ensure it’s free from overgrowth or dry vegetation.

Together, We Can Prevent Fires

We want to remind everyone that fire prevention is a community effort. By staying vigilant and implementing these safety tips, you can help reduce the risk of outdoor fires and keep your neighborhood safe.

For additional information regarding smoking fire safety, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360, visit U.S. Fire Administration usfa.fema.gov, and the National Fire Protection Association nfpa.org.