Mulch a Major Fire Danger
posted 11:30 pm Mon March 24, 2008 - Lynchburg, VA
reporter:
Manuel Quinones
posted by:
Webteam
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Lots of damage, several people without a home and two firefighters hurt, now officials are asking smokers and property owners to be much more careful. All because of this weekend's apartment fire in Lynchburg.
Firefighters say we can prevent fires like the one that damaged six units. They say throwing cigarette butts in mulch is a very risky thing. And they want to see more space between mulch and buildings, especially those with flammable materials. They say it could save lives and property.
Firefighters blame carelessness for this mess that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage and hurt two firefighters.
Greg Wormser, Fire Marshall - "Six units were damaged and several people were left without their homes and belongings."
David Jackson, Dep. Fire Marshall - "Witnesses say it happened within less than a minute, when the wind picked up, it just grew that fast."
Many people throw cigarettes everywhere and anywhere. Neighbors tell firefighters it happens here often.
Jackson - "It's not an uncommon practice for people to throw cigarette butts in the mulch bed."
This is exactly what firefighters want to avoid. Mulch fires, like one along the side of a road, keep them busy -- too busy.
Nelson Garner, Gary's Garden Center - "It is common to see fires."
That's why this garden expert agrees with firefighters in urging you to leave some space between mulch and buildings. This is exactly what firefighters are talking about. And as you can see, it is very common.
Garner - "Don't want to put it right up touching your house. You want to keep a bit of a barrier, a safe distance between cause mulch does burn, it is a wood product."
Experts say you don't have to leave much space. But even better, put gravel or stones between the mulch and your wall.
Garner - "A lot of businesses that are in high traffic areas are using gravel now instead of mulch."
And of course, don't toss your cigarettes onto mulch. It's illegal and can cost you in fines and jail time. We all pay the price for it. Lynchburg crews have already responded to about 75 mulch fires this year. It costs about $200 for one engine to respond. On Saturday, they sent five engines to that apartment fire.
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