Massachusetts mulch fire safety regulations

With gardening and landscaping season underway, it is a common practice to use mulch to prevent weeds from growing.  The most common type of mulch is made of wood product which is combustible.  After several fires caused millions of dollars of property damage, a new Massachusetts regulation went into effect last fall.  The regulation prohibits building owners from placing mulch less than 18 inches away from a structure's wall.  Residential buildings with less than 6 units are exempt.  Even if your property is exempt, it is a good idea to use stone or crushed rock for the first 18 inches around your foundation as a barrier.  For more information on this regulation, visit http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/pubed/fs-topics/fs-topics-a/mulch-fire-safety.html