Mulch fires are back in the news this week as one still smolders in southeast Mesa and another one ignited earlier this morning off the US 60 at Crismon Road, both near Queen Creek. The smoke from these fires were carried by winds across the Valley for days.
These combustible incidents happen often in Queen Creek, especially with all the wind we've had and as we enter summer. In January, the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) had to send five crews out to responded to two separate mulch fires over one weekend. At that time, they warned that mulch fires burn hot and can burn for days.
"They can also generate a lot of smoke and odors," said QCFMD officials. "Mulch fires can start when heat builds up within a pile of mulch causing it to spontaneously combust, or when smoking materials like cigarette butts are improperly discarded onto the mulch (which is what they think started this morning's fire off the US 60)."
Both those fires were contained, but QCFMD firefighters had to monitor the situation to ensure they didn't spark up again.
Just a few weeks later, Queen Creek Vice Mayor Jeff Brown posted on social media that QCFMD crews were putting out another mulch fire at Ocotillo and Sossaman roads. Again, while QCFMD had the situation under control, a shift in the winds kept low-hanging smoke and odors in the area. Brown just wanted to assure residents that there was no danger to the community as smoke blanketed the town.
A mulch fire can be well underway before someone notices and the risk is that what starts as a small outdoor mulch fire can quickly spread to buildings. Mulch fires start more readily when the weather is hot and it has been dry for an extended time.
If you smoke, remember to properly dispose of all smoking materials. Always use appropriate receptacles for disposing of smoking materials and matches. Do not discard cigarettes in mulch or potted plants. Use ashtrays that won't burn or catch fire and that are deep enough to contain butts. Wet butts down before throwing out.
As more people smoke outdoors rather than inside, many building fires started by smoking begin on decks, porches and exterior stairways. Be smart in your choice of containers for butts. Consider using metal cans with sand for outdoor disposal. Never throw lit smoking materials out of a car window. It is a fire risk and it is illegal to do so.
