Is Your MN Yard a Fire Hazard? How to Reduce Outdoor Fire Risks

A fire that begins in your yard can spread to your house and inflict terrible damage. Most homeowners in Minnesota are familiar with tips to prevent indoor fires – such as not leaving oil unattended on a hot stove and keeping candles away from flammable materials. However, some homeowners neglect fire safety in their yards.

Fire hazards in Minnesota yards are particularly dangerous in summer, when increased temperatures, sun exposure, and drought result in heightened risk. Fortunately, by taking a few simple steps, you can reduce the danger of a fire in your yard. Continue reading to learn how you can mitigate outdoor fire risks on your property.

Mitigating Fire Risks in Your Yard

Creating a fire buffer zone in the yard around the perimeter of your Minnesota home will minimize the risk of fire damage. Avoid having anything combustible within 5 feet of your home’s edge. To this end, it’s not a good idea to directly border your home with mulch beds. Mulch, particularly shredded mulch, is highly flammable and can easily ignite if a fire starts in your yard. Instead of mulch, border your home with gravel, stone or concrete.

While maintaining a 5-foot fire buffer is crucial, you should also avoid fire hazards anywhere on your lawn. Woodpiles and brushpiles are among the most common fire hazards found on Minnesota lawns. To protect your home, store piles of firewood a safe distance away from the house itself – not right up against it. Avoid leaving brushpiles in your lawn for long periods of time, since they will dry out and become likelier to catch flame.

A simple but effective way to reduce fire risks in your yard is to water your lawn often. Whether you have an irrigation system or you set up your own sprinklers, keeping your grass hydrated will decrease the chances of it catching flame. This is especially important if your lawn borders the perimeter of your home in Minnesota.

Porch & Patio Fire Safety Tips

Outside of homes, fires commonly break out on decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. These fires often start because of outdoor grills. While grilling on the deck is a tradition for many Minnesota families, it’s crucial to make sure that smoke from the grill is not directly hitting overhanging roof eaves or tree branches, since the intense heat could lead to a fire. You should also clean your grill out on a regular basis to reduce the risk of it catching flame, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Be mindful with any outdoor furniture that you place on your porch or patio. Furniture built from non-combustible materials, such as treated wood or metal, is the most fire-safe option, particularly if outdoor furniture is placed near a grill or firepit. Use caution with wicker furniture and cushions, since these items are often flammable.

One more thing to note is that you should never store combustible materials on your patio or beneath your deck. Examples of combustible materials that are sometimes stored in these areas include mulch bags, firewood piles, and propane tanks. A fire that begins in your yard could easily ignite these materials and set fire to your house.

Watch Out for Electrical & Equipment Fire Hazards

Electric cables are fire hazards that are present in many yards in Minnesota. Unlike many fire hazards, the greatest risk period for this potential fire starter is often during winter, when an excess of holiday lights can result in outlets or extension cords overheating and igniting. To minimize your risk, only ever use extension cords and power strips that have been rated for outdoor usage. Also, be careful not to overload circuits.

Power equipment like chainsaws, lawnmowers, and snowblowers can also start a fire in your yard if not handled properly. Fueling gas-powered equipment when it is running hot – or is near another source of flame – can be a recipe for disaster. For electrical power equipment, periodically check extension cables or battery packs if the equipment is being used for several hours at a time; if they’re very hot to the touch, it may be a good time to take a break and let equipment cool off.

Reliable Fire Restoration for Twin Cities Homes

If a fire starts in your yard and spreads to your home, it’s important to schedule fire restoration services as soon as possible. Contact Arko Restoration today if you’re in need of professional fire damage restoration services in the greater Twin Cities area!