Horry County, SC — Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) is reminding residents that improperly discarded smoking materials remain one of the leading causes of structure fires in Horry County and across the nation, after crews recently responded to a mulch fire outside a commercial building.
Firefighters say the incident resulted in burned mulch containing cigarette butts, with no extension into the nearby structure. While the outcome was minor, HCFR notes that similar fires often escalate quickly when smoking materials are tossed into mulch, pine straw, or other easily ignited landscaping.
According to HCFR, these fires can smolder unnoticed, allowing flames to spread into siding, void spaces, or rooflines before anyone realizes a fire has started. The agency warns that this preventable hazard puts property at risk and endangers people in and around homes, businesses, and other structures.
Officials urge smokers to never discard cigarette butts or other smoking materials into mulch, grass, planters, or vegetation. They should be fully extinguished in a sturdy metal container filled with sand or water. HCFR adds that anyone who knows a smoker should encourage proper disposal, as careless habits can easily lead to a fire.
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