Local ordinance mandates 10-foot fire-safe buffer for multi-family buildings
SUNSET BEACH, NC — The Sunset Beach Fire Department is urging residents to rethink their landscaping choices as coastal winds and dry conditions increase the threat of neighborhood fires.
Officials have identified pine straw as a “hidden danger” due to its ability to dry out rapidly and act as a high-speed fuel source.
Because the material is so lightweight, embers can easily become airborne, carrying flames from one yard to another in minutes – a particular concern in areas where homes are built in close proximity.
To combat this, the Town is highlighting Ordinance 92.42, which strictly prohibits the use of pine straw within 10 feet of any commercial or multi-family building. While single-family residences are not yet legally bound by this mandate, fire officials are strongly pushing all homeowners to adopt the “10-foot rule” voluntarily to create a vital defensible space around their property.
For those looking to maintain curb appeal without the fire risk, the department recommends transitioning to hardwood mulch, which retains moisture longer, or sturdier pine bark.
For maximum protection, stone and river rock are recommended as the ultimate non-flammable, low-maintenance alternatives.
By working alongside local landscapers to prioritize these fire-safe materials, the community can ensure that Sunset Beach remains both beautiful and protected.
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