Middleboro Finally Reveals the Meaning Behind 3 Minutes Signs

If you live in Middleboro, you’ve likely seen the dozens of identical lawn signs scattered throughout town, each bearing the same cryptic message:

“3 minutes…”

No explanation, just a bold and mysterious reminder that sparked plenty of theories about what these signs meant.

READ MORE: Middleboro "3 Minutes" Signs Spark Mystery

On Tuesday afternoon, March 25, the Middleboro Fire Department took to Facebook to clear up the mystery and put residents' concerns to rest – and the truth is a lot less alarming than many initially imagined.

The department explained that the message was a reminder about the dangers of modern fires:

“In today’s world, fire conditions in your home can become unsurvivable in just three minutes.”

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Modern materials in homes such as synthetic furniture, open floor plans and lightweight building materials cause fires to spread much faster than they did in the past.

While the message wasn’t meant to scare, it definitely got people thinking.

After all, if a random sign showed up on my lawn overnight, I’d have a few theories of my own.

The signs were part of the Fire Department’s launch of the “Middleborough Fire Life Safety Audit Initiative” (MFLSA), a program offering free fire safety audits for residents.

Firefighters will visit your home, check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace them at no cost to you.

“We are thrilled to launch the Middleborough Fire Department Fire Life Safety Audit Initiative,” Fire Chief Owen Thompson said.

The program is funded by a $226,088 FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and a $22,608 municipal match, ensuring that Middleboro families have access to the latest in smoke alarm technology, education, and training – at no cost.

Mystery solved, case closed.

Additional Reporting by Matthew Barth