Charlottetown firefighters respond to 4 mulch fires in 2 days

The Charlottetown fire department responded to four calls about mulch fires over the last two days.

On Thursday, the department put out three mulch fires in separate areas in Charlottetown, saidDeputy Chief Tim Mamye. Fire crews were also called to another mulch fire early Friday morning, he said.

Mayme saidthe causes of the fires areunknown.

"It is hard to predict," saidMamye, adding that the recent rise in temperatures and humidity are added risk factorsfor mulch fires buta source of ignition is needed.

"Many times it comes from discarded smoking materials," Mamye said.

Over the past five years, the departmenthasresponded to about 12 mulch fires a year, includingfires that destroyed a Charlottetownapartment buildingand theNorth Winds Innin BrackleyBeach, P.E.I., last summer.

This year there have been eight already, hesaid.

Why mulch?

Mulch is a commonly used gardening tool. It is used to insulate soil and act as a buffer for hotand cold temperatures. Those with gardens and flower beds can use mulch for pest control, weed control and landscaping.

Both the city's fire department and the provincial fire marshal said properly disposing of smoking material, like matches or cigarettes, is crucial to preventing mulch fires.

How to prevent mulch fires?

Provincial Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter issueda newsrelease earlier this week to raise awareness aboutmulch fire prevention.

The statement advises Islanders to take the following precautions:

• Keepmulch 45 centimetres from buildings.
• If possible keep combustible mulch layers out of the sun.
• Regularly wet down mulch to keep it moist.
• Ensure that smoking materials such as cigarettes areproperly disposed of.
• Consider alternatives to mulch such ascrushed rock, brick, or pea gravel.

Even with the release, Mamyesaid he was unsureIslanders have enough awareness of the dangers mulch fires can bring.

"I hope people are enjoying weather, but if there is any smoking material out there, please discard of it properly and be mindful of everybody and everything."

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