Massachusetts Mulch Fires: Safety Laws and Safety Tips

June 1, 2023||inBusiness Insurance|business insurance, commercial insurance, mass mulch fire safety regulation

With the arrival of Spring, we thought it would be a good time to remind property owners about safety issues when sprucing up their landscaping and applying fresh mulch.  Mulch is combustible, and every year there are hundreds of small and large fires that are started by improperly discarded smoking materials igniting mulch.

Mulch fires often can be well underway before they are noticed, which creates the big risk that a small outdoor mulch fire can quickly spread to buildings.

Massachusetts Mulch Fires: Safety Laws and Safety Tips
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

In recent Massachusetts history, there have been a number of large apartment fires that have resulted in loss of life and multi-million dollar property losses not to mention hundreds of people being displaced and losing their possessions. Yet, it doesn’t have to be a huge fire to be important. If it were your home that was lost due to a mulch fire that would be tragic.

Regulation on Mulch Safety

In Massachusetts, safe use of mulch is regulated through 527 CMR 1.00, section 10.14.10.4. The regulation prohibits new application of mulch within 18″ around combustible exteriors of buildings, such as wood or vinyl, but not brick or concrete. The regulations apply to all commercial properties and residential buildings with more than six units.  However, while residential properties with six or less units are exempt, it is smart for all homeowners to adopt these practices for safety. Having your grounds look their best is admirable, but no one wants to their beautification efforts be the reason that their property goes up in flames.

Tips for Property Managers, Building Owners & Landscapers

  • Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscape mulch beds and combustible building materials, such as wood, vinyl siding and decks.
  • Use non-combustible mulch such as rock or pea stone around gas meters and combustible portions of the structure.
  • Provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Place them at least 18″ away from the building, do not mulch in these areas and remember to regularly empty smoking receptacles.
  • Grounds and maintenance crews should be aware when conditions are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulch beds.
  • Keep mulch beds moist when possible.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce mulch fire risks.  So, whether you mulch for aesthetics or more as a way of keeping down weeds, we hope you  enjoy the spring and may all the plantings on your property grow and bloom with vigor. Happy mulching!

Read Other Blog Posts

Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
What Is Professional Liability Insurance and Does Your Business Need It

What Is Professional Liability Insurance—and Does Your Business Need It?

General liability insurance won’t protect your business from claims tied to mistakes, missed deadlines, or professional advice gone wrong. That’s where professional liability insurance—also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage—steps in. It covers negligence, inaccurate advice, project delays, and the legal costs that come with client disputes. From consultants and IT professionals to architects, real estate agents, and accountants, this coverage is essential for anyone providing specialized services.
Read more
Construction worker 1200

5 Workplace Safety Trends to Watch in 2025

While certain elements of occupational safety remain constant, others may change and evolve over time. As such, it’s essential for employers to stay on top of the latest workplace safety trends and adjust their risk management strategies accordingly. Several factors have been influencing the occupational safety landscape this year, including advances in technology, rising mental health concerns, ongoing remote work challenges, a growing connection between sustainability and safety, and shifting corporate culture expectations. This article provides more information on these trends and offers guidance to help employers properly navigate such developments.
Read more
Floorplan 1200

5 Risks of Hiring an Uninsured Contractor

Project owners and general contractors must thoroughly vet all contractors to ensure jobsite safety and protect against financial losses. A key part of this vetting process is confirming that contractors carry the appropriate insurance coverage. Hiring uninsured contractors can lead to serious consequences, including safety risks, legal liabilities and unexpected costs. Here are five major risks of hiring uninsured contractors that highlight why adequate insurance is essential.
Read more
Paperwork 1200

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2025

Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2025—the start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This notice is important because Medicare beneficiaries who are not covered by creditable prescription drug coverage and do not enroll in Medicare Part D when first eligible will likely pay higher premiums if they enroll at a later date.
Read more
OSHA Safe & Sound Week

OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week Runs From August 11-17, 2025

More than 5,000 workers are killed on the job each year, and more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Because of this, OSHA holds a nationwide event each August called Safe and Sound Week, which promotes the importance of companies incorporating safety and health programs into their workplaces. This year, the event runs August 11-17, 2025.
Read more
Hudson Family Dental

Business Spotlight: Hudson Family Dental Providing Modern Dentistry in the Heart of Hudson

Hudson Family Dental has been providing modern, compassionate dentistry in Hudson, MA since 1988. With cutting-edge technology and a team dedicated to personalized care, they’ve earned the trust of local families for generations. Learn how this Main Street practice blends innovation with community values—and why Murphy Insurance is proud to call them a client.
Read more
File folders

Employee Benefits SAR Is Due by September 30 for Calendar Year Plans

Many employers that must file Form 5500 on behalf of their employee benefit plans must also provide plan participants with a summary annual report (SAR). The SAR is a summary of the information included in the Form 5500. Employers with plans that operate on a calendar year basis must provide the SAR by Sept. 30
Read more
Balance Scale 1200

Supreme Court Upholds ACA’s Preventive Care Mandate

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate. Due to the Court’s ruling, the ACA’s preventive care mandate remains in full effect and health plans and issuers are required to continue covering the entire range of recommended preventive care services without cost sharing.
Read more

Visit Our Business Insurance Page

Business Insurance

Murphy Insurance stands as your steadfast partner in safeguarding your business from unforeseen challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape. In an era where comprehensive business insurance is not just a prudent choice but a vital one for ensuring the long-term stability and security of your enterprise, we are here to offer our expertise. Running a business inherently entails various risks that can potentially impact your financial stability and reputation. Learn more about our comprehensive business insurance solutions, which are meticulously designed to protect you from these potential threats, granting you peace of mind necessary to focus on the growth and prosperity of your business.