🔥 Safety Tip of the Month: Mulch Fires 🔥 As temperatures rise, so does the risk of mulch fires—and they can start more easily than you might think

 
By McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company
April 1, 2026
 

Dark-colored mulch, especially around homes and businesses, can heat up quickly in the sun. Combined with dry conditions, this creates the perfect environment for a fire to start and spread.

🚫 Common causes include:
• Discarded cigarettes
• Hot ashes from grills or fire pits
• Spontaneous heating in large mulch beds

🏡 How to protect your home:
• Keep mulch at least 18 inches away from your home or structure
• Avoid placing mulch directly against siding or decks
• Water mulch during hot, dry periods
• Never toss cigarette butts or ashes into mulch
• Consider using stone or gravel near foundations instead

🔥 Mulch fires can spread rapidly and put homes at serious risk—but they are completely preventable with a few simple steps.

Stay safe and help protect your community!