We come across many things as we visit our clients’ homes and often catch items that could have become big or even devastating issues if they weren’t caught early. One such instance is a mulch fire.

Mulch is a great way to enhance your landscaping, retain soil moisture and improve curb appeal at your home, but did you know that it can pose a fire hazard? In this post, we’ll look at the hidden danger of mulch fires and how to prevent them.

Loudoun County, Virginia Fire Report

In September 2024, a fire was reported in Ashburn, Virginia, with firefighters responding to multiple 9-1-1 calls around 9:55 PM. Upon arrival, they found a single-family home with significant fire showing on the home’s back and roof. Five residents were displaced, with damages from the fire estimated at almost $1.7 million. The cause: Potting soil stored under the deck.

“Spontaneous combustion can happen when a decomposing organic material, such as mulch or potting soil, generates enough heat to ignite without an outside source,” said Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams. “As a result, a large or compacted area of these materials can create sufficient heat to spontaneously combust. It’s important to remember that in all cases, these fires are more likely to occur when the weather is hot.”

How Mulch Fires Start and Spread

A mulch fire typically ignites when dry mulch is exposed to heat sources such as a discarded cigarette, outdoor lighting sparks or spontaneous combustion in hot, dry weather. Organic mulch—like wood chips, pine straw and shredded bark—can be highly flammable, especially when layered too thick or left unwatered.

Once ignited, a mulch fire can smolder beneath the surface for hours before erupting into flames. The fire can travel underground through decomposed mulch, making it difficult to detect. And wind can spread embers to dry vegetation, fences, porches or even a home’s siding or roof, leading to extensive damage. When homeowners are away for extended periods, a small fire could go unnoticed until it causes severe destruction.

Even a minor mulch fire can create damage. If the flames spread to nearby plants, trees or wooden structures, they can create a direct path to the home. Smoke from a nearby fire can also enter the home, leaving behind soot and strong odors that require costly cleanup.

How to Prevent Mulch Fires

As a homeowner, you can take several steps to prevent or reduce your risk of a mulch fire:

• Keep mulch at least 18 inches away from your home’s foundation to prevent flames from reaching the structure.
• Ensure proper clearance to electrical devices such as lights, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use non-combustible materials like pea gravel, decorative stone or rubber mulch for the first 18 inches around a building’s base and around gas and electrical meters instead of organic materials.
• Water your mulch regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Dispose of cigarettes properly and don’t toss them into mulch beds.
• Avoid piling mulch too thickly to avoid creating excessive heat buildup. A depth of 2-3 inches is sufficient.
• Install a barrier such as bricks or pavers to separate mulch from wooden structures.
• Consider using brick or non-combustible exterior siding when building or renovating a structure.
• Immediately report any smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1.
• Use a Home Watch company when you’re away for an extended time.

How Golden Rule Home Watch Helps Prevent Northern Virginia Mulch Fires

During regular home inspection visits, Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge checks for excessive mulch buildup, dry conditions and ignition sources. If mulch appears too dry or too close to the foundation, we provide recommendations to reduce the risk of a mulch fire.

We also ensure your irrigation systems are functioning properly so that your mulch remains moist and less flammable. If we notice a malfunctioning system or signs of drought stress, we will notify you so corrective action can be taken.

For homeowners who are away for long periods of time, Golden Rule Home Watch acts as your first line of defense. If we detect a fire hazard, we provide immediate updates and can coordinate with local professionals if needed to resolve the issue. In an emergency, we can contact your local fire department and take steps to minimize any damage from a mulch fire. Our proactive approach ensures your home remains safe, even when you aren’t there to monitor it.

See our related post: 5 Essential Services Provided by Professional Home Watch Companies

Contact Golden Rule Home Watch

Golden Rule Home Watch provides professional property monitoring for Northern Virginia homeowners who are away for extended periods. Whether you’re a seasonal resident, traveling for work, or taking a vacation, our team conducts thorough in-person inspections on a scheduled basis to ensure your home stays secure and well maintained. We like to say we’re your “eyes, ears and feet on the ground” to give you peace of mind when you’re away from home.

If you’d like to schedule Home Watch services, please contact us at 855-928-2424.

Photo courtesy of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and WSET.