Fall Leaves Can Be A Fire Hazard, Here is why

Written by blackwood on October 17, 2022. Posted in News.

The autumn leaves are falling, and they’re beautiful to look at—but did you know that they can also be a fire hazard? That’s right: if you’re not careful, those dry, dead leaves can easily become kindling for a dangerous home fire. So what can you do to keep your home safe this fall? Read on to find out. Check out these tips for how fall leaves can be a fire hazard.

How can leaves become a fire hazard?

Leaves can easily catch fire if they come into contact with an open flame, such as a barbecue grill or a discarded cigarette. And once they catch fire, they can quickly spread the flames to other flammable materials in your yard—such as your deck or even your home.

Rake them up

First things first: you need to get those leaves off of your property and into the trash as soon as possible. The longer they sit there, the greater the chance that they’ll catch fire. A good, stiff broom can also help with this task.

Dispose of them properly

Once you’ve got all of the leaves gathered up, it’s time to dispose of them. You should never burn them in your fireplace or wood stove—not only is this a fire hazard, but it’s also bad for your chimney and lungs. The best way to get rid of fall leaves is to bag them up and put them out on the curb on garbage day.

Keep your gutters clean

Make sure to keep your gutters clean this fall! Clogged gutters full of dead leaves are a recipe for disaster, so be sure to clear them out every few weeks. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do it for you.

Trim trees and shrubs

Fallen leaves aren’t the only potential fire hazard in your yard—overgrown tree branches and shrubs can also pose a threat. Keep these trimmed back, away from your house, to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.

Be careful with outdoor fires

Campfires and bonfires can be fun addition to fall gatherings, but they also come with the risk of fire spreading. Always make sure to completely extinguish any outdoor fires before leaving them unattended, and never leave them burning overnight.

FAQs

What if I live in an area with a lot of fall leaves?

If you live in a particularly leafy area, it’s even more important to take precautions against fire hazards. Stay on top of raking and disposing of the leaves, and consider investing in professional gutter cleaning services to keep your gutters clear.

Can leaves still be a fire hazard in wet weather?

Yes—while wet leaves are less likely to catch fire, they can still pose a risk if they come into contact with an open flame. It’s best to take precautions and remove them from your property regardless of the weather.

More Tips to Help with Fires

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your home safe from fire this fall season. So go out there and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather—just be sure to rake up those leaves afterward! While fall leaves can be a fire hazard, you can easily use these tips to keep your yard from turning into one.

fall leaves, fire