Lakeville Fire: Dead Potted Plants Can Spontaneously Combust

FIRE SAFETY TIP

Dead Potted Plants may Spontaneously Combust

While dead potted plants may spontaneously combust in the right conditions, a more common cause of such fires is cigarettes. When a cigarette butt is extinguished in the soil of a potted plant, it may cause the materials in the potting soil mix to ignite. Matches and stray fireworks may also cause the potting soil mixture in a dead potted plant to ignite.

Keep your potted plants well watered and maintained. Discard dead potted plants promptly by throwing them into the trash or spreading the soil in your yard or garden. Do not use pots that contain dead plants and potting soil as an ashtray. Make an ashtray available in areas where someone might be smoking. Keep dead potted plants away from combustible materials such as a wood porch or deck.

FIRE REPORT

From July 16 to July 22, the  responded to 12 calls for service including: 1 building fire, 1 deck fire, 1 grass fire, 2 medicals, 1 motor vehicle accident (with injuries), 1 power line down, 1 excessive heat with no ignition, 2 good intents and 2 false alarms.