Texas Fire Ignited Spontaneously


Posted: Tue, 6 Sep 2011 03:57 PM - 8,844 Readers

By: Huffington Post


An extreme drought may not be the only problem facing residents of Texas this summer. KXAN in Austin reports that firefighters responded to a brush fire last month that started on its own.

The fire, which ignited in a compost or mulch pile, was blamed on spontaneous combustion. Austin Fire Lieutenant Jim Baker told KXAN that decomposition in compost piles creates heat. He explained that in the summer heat, "everything is dry and it's not uncommon for mulch piles to spontaneously ignite."

In the video, Jill Lavigne, a worker at a local nursery, recommends watering compost piles if it doesn't rain, or splitting them into smaller piles. Firefighters also suggest residents pay attention to the vegetation around compost piles and cut it short to keep fires from spreading.

As of Tuesday morning, a wildfire in Central Texas has already destroyed almost 500 homes, according to the Associated Press. Governor Rick Perry said there are over 50 wildfires burning across the state.

Texas is currently facing its worst drought since the 1950s, and several towns are nearly out of water.




Read Full Story at: Huffington Post



MORE IN ALERTSMore Alerts news

Alerts

Heading to the lake? Expect lane closures on the RM 620 bridge at Mansfield Dam

Oct 18, 2026

If your route to the lake crosses Mansfield Dam, build in some extra time. TxDOT crews are working on the RM 620 bridge in front of the dam, repairing expansion joints, upgradin...

Read more →

Alerts

Early voting starts Monday: where to vote in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Lago Vista and Steiner Ranch

Oct 16, 2026

Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election opens Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Registered Travis County voters can use any countywide polling site during...

Read more →

Alerts

Wind advisory Friday as strong cold front sweeps through Lake Travis area

Oct 15, 2026

The first strong cold front of the fall is expected to push through the Austin area early Friday, Oct. 16, and boaters on Lake Travis should plan for rough conditions. According...

Read more →