Since rubber mulch is made from recycled tires that have already been subjected to high temperatures during its manufacturing process, it’s generally considered to be fire-resistant.
However, under certain conditions, it’s still possible for rubber mulch to burn. For instance, if a particular area of rubber mulch is exposed to an intense and prolonged heat source such as an open flame, there’s a very real risk of rubber mulch igniting and burning. This risk can compound if the mulch contains any other flammable materials, such as leaves, twigs, or paper. Therefore, to minimize the risk of fire, it’s critical to keep active heat sources away from rubber mulch, and to avoid smoking, lighting candles, or wielding any sort of open flame in its vicinity. Installing a non-flammable barrier between the rubber mulch and any nearby vegetation can also help prevent the spread of fire in the event of a mishap.
The temperatures needed for rubber mulch to ignite and burn are around four times higher than even the hottest outdoor temperatures found in the US, so it will take far more than ambient hot weather to risk an ignition of rubber mulch. As a general rule, rubber mulch can start to melt and burn at temperatures around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that common outdoor amenities such as grills and fire pits have the potential to set rubber mulch aflame if poorly handled. For this reason, it’s advisable to place stones or bricks around fire pits in the vicinity of rubber mulch so as to avoid any embers coming into contact with it.
As long as one is aware of the risks associated with having cigarettes and other forms of open flames around rubber mulch and takes the necessary steps to keep them away, there’s very little chance that rubber mulch will catch fire. That said, one must be vigilant and avoid placing grills or open fire pits near places in which rubber mulch is present; for good measure, also consider placing a no smoking sign around your rubber mulch if it’s in a public place.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
