By Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD Public Information Officer,

The warmer weather is here and that means you may be thinking about getting out into the yard to complete gardening tasks and landscaping. Have you ever taken a moment to consider if your landscape lighting could be posing a fire hazard?

In the past, South Walton Fire District firefighters have responded to fire incidents that were a result of landscape lighting malfunctions or failures.

Fortunately, these incidents are not typically large fires, but they can be scary for the homeowners involved, and at times, it’s difficult to understand why they happen.

Fire hazards should not deter you from utilizing outdoor lighting systems, however, proper care and procedures are imperative in fire prevention.

It’s also important to remember that natural landscaping materials, such as pine straw, are highly flammable and cause fire to spread quickly, even after rainfall.

Here are a few fire prevention tips from the South Walton Fire District:

Develop practices to control pests, such as rodents, to avoid damage to electric wiring and equipment. Ensure all outdoor outlets and fixtures are equipped with weatherproof Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers. Keep light fixtures clear of debris such as pine straw, leaves, and other combustible materials. Even extension cords placed near pine straw can present a fire safety hazard. Make use of LED lamps when possible. These lamps burn incredibly cool, are more energy efficient, and they last for a considerably longer time. Install in-ground lighting fixtures with covers to keep debris from resting directly on the bulbs emitting heat.

Qualified lighting technicians know the fire safety precautions to take- it may be worth contacting one to ensure your home is protected if you are uncertain about any of the steps listed.

You can also direct questions to SWFD via email at lifesafety@swfd.org, or through our multiple social media channels.

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