Information
Mulch or bark dust are a combustible materials that can be easily ignited by improperly discarded smoking materials. Hundreds of fires are started this way every year. The risk is that what starts as a small outdoor mulch or bark dust fire can quickly spread to building. If left unnoticed, a fire can be well underway before someone discovers it, or is alerted by smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.
Tips for Managers, Building Owners & Landscapers
- 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.
- Provide approved receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings, bus stops, and in designated smoking areas. Do not use mulch or bark dust in or near these areas.
- Provide a minimum of 18-inch clearance between landscape mulch or bark dust beds and combustible building materials, such as wood, vinyl siding and decks.
- Use non-combustible products such as river rock or pea gravel in high traffic areas, and around buildings.
- If mulch is preferred, avoid fresh wood mulches or bark dust. PF&R recommends to use non-combustible mulches such as stone, pavers, rock, decomposed granite or gravel.
- Keep landscaped mulch or bark dust beds moist, if possible.
For more fire prevention and safety information please go to: