Remind Your Renters about Summer Fire Safety, Smoldering Mulch

Fire safety is a year-round goal, as a fire can start at any time. In wintertime, a smoker might find it too cold to smoke outside. In the summer, a family might set a grill just a little too close to the house. Fire prevention week is in October, as home heating sources start up for the first time. But as landlords concerned with tenant behavior, we talk to our renters about fire safety before summer starts.

Caption: This time last year WCVB5 reported on a mulch fire that destroyed a Watertown home. Screenshot editorial use. I-Pad frame and desk CC BY-SA MassLandlords Jen Rau. https://www.wcvb.com/article/fire-maple-street-watertown-massachusetts-mulch/43876833

Summer activities have the potential for disaster in multifamily units. Renters may try to grill under a roof or too close to the building. Residents with disposable income may launch illegal fireworks. On a sweltering summer day, a smoker might not feel like walking to the designated receptacle and may toss their butt into the hot, dusty mulch instead. Any of these uninformed decisions can threaten life and property.

Grills should be 10 feet away from the building and never under a porch. Unlicensed fireworks are illegal. Anyone who sees mulch smoking should call the local fire department.

Spring 2024 has been wet at time of writing, but there may be dry spells as we head into summer, same as any year.

Review our article “Summer Fire Safety for Multifamilies” and make sure you’ve crafted and sent a custom message for your renters about fire safety at your properties.