Cary restricts use of pine straw around buildings

The code revisions cites fire dangers posed by pine straw, which is a cheap, popular landscaping tool but studies say is also highly flammable.

The rules bans using pine straw within 10 feet of multifamily dwellings and commercial buildings with combustible exteriors, such as vinyl, aluminum, masonite or wood siding. The rules do not apply to detached, single-family dwellings.

The rules go into effect immediately. Violators will first get a written notice, but if violations aren't corrected in seven days, a $250 daily fine will be assessed.

Raleigh recently passed similar restrictions on pine straw, and Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro and Morrisville also limit its use.

Since 2006, Cary firefighters have responded to approximately 35 fires at multifamily and commercial building in which pine straw was a contributing factor, staff wrote.