Is Artificial Grass Flammable? A Complete Guide to Fire Safety and Synthetic Turf

Fire safety is a shared concern for homeowners and businesses alike. When natural grass dies, it becomes more flammable and poses a greater fire risk. Artificial grass, on the other hand, is a safer alternative, especially when it is engineered with fire-resistant properties.

Fire safety in artificial grass isn’t just a manufacturing afterthought—it’s a science. And as wildfires intensify across major parts of the globe, understanding the flammability (or lack thereof) of synthetic turf has never been more crucial. 

Can Grass Catch on Fire?

Fire doesn’t wait for an invitation. A spark from a barbecue, a stray ember from a fire pit, or an unattended cigarette are real concerns in modern life. That doesn’t mean we must give up on making our surroundings green and inviting. Instead, we can opt for fire-resistant turf that provides a green space we can enjoy safely. 

Why Fire Resistance Matters: Natural vs. Artificial Turf

Comparing artificial grass to its natural counterpart reveals significant differences in fire behavior:

• Natural Grass: When dry, natural grass is highly flammable, acting as a fuel source that accelerates fire spread. Once ignited, flames can quickly consume large areas, especially on slopes or in windy conditions.
• Artificial Grass: Fire-resistant artificial turf resists ignition and slows flame spread. While extreme heat may melt or damage synthetic fibers, the fire itself is contained, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures or vegetation.

Testing conducted by SYNLawn demonstrates that natural grass burns faster and spreads flames more readily, even under controlled conditions. By contrast, SYNLawn’s turf inhibited flame spread during tests involving pine straw, wood chips, and even burning charcoal.

In a notable demonstration of this capability, SYNLawn’s turf played a pivotal role in containing a rooftop fire at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas in 2016. The fire, which could have spread across the rooftop and caused extensive damage, was slowed and contained, giving first responders valuable time to act.

What Is Fire-Resistant Artificial Grass?

SYNLawn is more than just a manufacturer of artificial grass—it’s an innovator in fire-safe technology. Unlike generic turf, which may simply “resist” flames, SYNLawn’s Class A Fire-Rated artificial grass products actively inhibit fire spread, offering unmatched protection.

Proven Performance Under Pressure

SYNLawn products undergo rigorous third-party testing to meet—and often exceed—industry fire safety standards. These tests evaluate flammability, resistance to heat, and performance under real-world conditions. 

The results of these tests (conducted by accredited laboratories) provide concrete evidence of the safety and reliability of SYNLawn’s fire-resistant turf. 

Here’s what makes SYNLawn turf a standout:

• Pine Straw & Wood Chips: At 1000°F, SYNLawn turf successfully inhibited flame spread.
• Charcoal Test: A burning pack of flammable charcoal was thrown at the turf, and the flame was contained.
• Hay with Simulated Wind: Even with a fan blowing flames, the fire didn’t spread.
• Lit Cigarette: No ignition, no flare-up—SYNLawn’s turf passed effortlessly.

When compared to natural grass, SYNLawn turf performs better in every scenario. Tests on slopes, simulating uphill flame spread, showed that fire traveled significantly faster on natural grass than on SYNLawn’s fire-resistant synthetic turf.

Certified Safety You Can Trust

SYNLawn’s artificial grass products hold the highest fire-safety certifications in the industry. Our ASTM E108 Class A Fire Rating ensures that the turf resists ignition, limits flame spread, and self-extinguishes quickly.

Our products also adhere to rigorous standards for playground safety (NF P90-112), toy safety (EN 71-3), and chemical safety (REACH Annex XVII entry 50), ensuring that they’re as safe for children and pets as they are durable. Read about our certified turf to learn more.

Applications in High-Risk Areas

The applications for fire-resistant artificial grass go beyond private backyards. Its versatility and safety make it a valuable choice for various high-risk settings.

SYNLawn products provide security and protection for:

• Drought-Prone Regions: Eliminates the risk posed by dry, flammable natural grass while maintaining a green and low-maintenance landscape.
• Wildfire Zones: Provides an extra layer of safety, helping slow flames and potentially reducing insurance premiums.
• Urban Rooftops: Meets strict fire codes for rooftop gardens and recreational spaces, offering both safety and aesthetic appeal.
• Public Playgrounds: SYNLawn’s fire-resistant turf ensures safe play areas for children, even in the presence of high heat or potential fire hazards.

And if you live in a fire-prone area, you should check with your insurance provider to see if you can get a reduction in your insurance cost.  

How to Maximize Fire Safety in Outdoor Spaces

Natural grass is beautiful, but it can also be a potential fire hazard when it dries out or isn’t properly maintained. 

Here’s how you can keep natural grass safer:

• Hydration Is Key: Keep your lawn lush and green by watering it regularly. Grass with high moisture content is far less likely to catch fire.
• Mow Smart, Mow Safe: Cut your grass regularly to avoid excessive height. Overgrown grass dries out faster and provides more fuel for fires.
• Clear the Clutter: Remove dry leaves, twigs, and other debris that could ignite easily. This is especially important near fire-prone areas like grills or fire pits.
• Create Defensible Space: For those in wildfire-prone areas, creating defensible space around your home is crucial. For example, clear flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your house and thinning plants within 100 feet.

Even with fire-resistant artificial grass, best practices are essential for maintaining a safe environment.

Here’s how to keep your synthetic lawn looking great while staying protected:

• Choose High-Quality, Fire-Resistant Turf: Fire-resistant turf isn’t just about safety—it also means less worry when installing features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or grills.
• Mind the Heat Zones: Avoid placing grills, fire pits, or outdoor heaters directly on your artificial grass. These heat sources can cause the fibers to melt or deform.
• Keep It Clean: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your artificial grass regularly. Even on fire-resistant turf, these items can ignite, acting as fuel for flames.
• Be Smart About Accessories: If you’re using outdoor decor or equipment, opt for fire-resistant materials where possible. For example, choose non-flammable cushions and furniture for seating areas near the turf.

Combining fire-resistant turf with proactive maintenance can help you create an outdoor space that is as safe as it is beautiful.

The Verdict: Is Artificial Turf Flammable?

The flammability of artificial grass depends on the quality of the product. While generic turf may pose risks, SYNLawn’s Class A Fire-Rated artificial grass is designed to withstand ignition and slow the spread of flames, making it one of the safest options on the market.

Whether you’re safeguarding your backyard, outfitting a rooftop garden, or designing a public play area, SYNLawn’s fire-resistant turf offers unmatched protection, durability, and peace of mind. 

If you have any specific fire safety concerns, contact our experts—we offer tailored recommendations to help you meet specific safety requirements and local fire codes.