STOW – State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Southampton Fire Chief John C. Workman announced the cause of yesterday’s fire on 30 Helen Drive was ignited by the improper disposal of smoking materials in mulch.
“In the past few weeks we have experienced many fires across the Commonwealth started by the improper disposal of smoking materials in mulch, one of which caused a death.” State Fire Marshal Coan said. “Mulch is shredded bark and can be easily ignited by improperly discarded smoking materials. The risk is that what starts as a small outdoor mulch fire can quickly spread to buildings. A mulch fire can be well underway before someone notices or is alerted by smoke alarms as happened with this fire.”
“Every fire is terrible for those who lose their home and possessions,” said Workman. “The neighbors were great heroes, making sure that everyone escaped safely. If this fire had occurred a little later in the evening, the outcome might have been different.”
“I would ask residents to call the fire department, even if they think they have successfully extinguished a fire, and let us check it out to make sure,” he said. “A fire can smolder inside mulch tunnels under the surface for a long time before breaking out into open flame.”
Workers at the home had extinguished a small mulch fire earlier in the day with a garden hose.
The fire was jointly investigated by the Southampton Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Fire Prevention Regulations on Mulch
This is the time of year when homeowners are sprucing up properties. It is also the time of year when many mulch fires occur. The Massachusetts Fire Code has regulations on the use of mulch that prohibits the new application of mulch within 18” around combustible exteriors of buildings, such as wood or vinyl but not brick or concrete. Residential buildings with six units or less are exempted from this regulation, but all homeowners may also wish to adopt these safety practices. The regulation applies to all other buildings including commercial properties.
How Mulch Fires Start
Care must be taken to prevent mulch fires.
· In many mulch fires, the smoldering mulch tunnels under the surface and then breaks out into open flame.
· Mulch that is piled too deeply, more than a few inches, can build up heat and spontaneously catch fire.
· Mulch fires start more readily when the weather is hot and it has been dry for an extended time.
· Factors such as below-average rainfall, dry conditions, warm temperatures, and high winds increase the risk of mulch fires.
Be a Responsible Smoker: Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time.
There have been almost two dozen fires across Massachusetts in the past few weeks that started outdoors and spread to the building. Cigarettes have been put out on the ground, in leaves, mulch, trash cans, dry potted plants, paper bags, wooden steps and window sills, all causing fires.
· If you smoke, remember to properly dispose of all smoking materials.
· Always use appropriate receptacles for disposing of smoking materials and matches.
· Do not discard cigarettes in mulch or potted plants.
· Use ashtrays that won’t burn or catch fire and that are deep enough to contain butts. Wet butts down before throwing out.
· As more people smoke outdoors rather than inside, many building fires started by smoking begin on decks, porches, and exterior stairways.
· Be smart in your choice of containers for butts. Consider using metal cans with sand for outdoor disposal.
For more information on the mulch fire safety or the regulation, go to www.mass.gov/dfs
