Firefighters seek help as brush fire calls increase

In recent weeks, firefighters in Prince William County have been called to a large number of brush fires.

“As the weather becomes warmer, mulch becomes drier due to temperature conditions and lack of rainfall, making mulch fires more prevalent. Mulch is a prime location for fires due to improper discarding of smoking materials, by pedestrians, in or near a mulch bed or from motor vehicles. According to the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc., mulch ignites, smolders, and produces an open flame, which can easily extend up and into a structure. Temperatures, produced by a mulch fire, are enough to ignite adjacent combustible wall finishes, especially vinyl siding, located on the exterior of the building.”

— Prince William Fire and Rescue Department

The department provided these safety tips:

Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials

NEVER discard smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and lighted
matches in plant pots, mulch-laden landscapes, flowerbeds, shrubs, bushes,
grassy areas or woods.

• Use large, deep, non-tip/sturdy ashtrays to prevent smoking
  materials from igniting nearby combustibles.
• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out – Put It Out. All the Way Every Time.
  Protect your home or business by providing an area for individuals to properly
  extinguish and discard their smoking materials.

Landscaping

• Provide a reasonable amount of space between flammable vegetation and your home or business to create a fire-wise/fire-safe area.
• It is highly recommended to avoid the use of mulch within 18” of a structure with combustible siding.
• Avoid using highly combustible plants; use fire-resistant plants (visit your local nursery for assistance).
• Remove dead plants, trees and shrubs, wood, debris, and low tree branches.
• Keep plants watered during the heat of the summer.
• Remove small trees and plants growing under trees; they permit ground fires to jump into the tree crown.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
• Provide proper clearance to electric devices, e.g., decorative lights.