Curtis Pond Fire Blamed On Fire Pit Ashes In A Trash Can

MOORESVILLE, NC — A fire that ripped through a Mooresville home in the Curtis Pond community last week began after ashes from a fire pit were placed in an outside trash can, according to fire investigators.

Mooresville Fire-Rescue firefighters responded to the July 5 fire on Madelia Place around 9:30 a.m. after a family member discovered the blaze.

“Thinking the ashes from the pit had cooled overnight, the Madelia Place residents emptied the contents of the fire pit into their trash can between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. that morning,” Mooresville Fire-Rescue said in a statement July 8.

All members of the family inside the home were able to escape without injury, but have lost everything, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help them. “They were able to escape unharmed, with just the clothes they were wearing. This family has lost all of their belongings and will need to rebuild their entire life.

The incident underscores the importance of properly disposing of ashes from a fire pit or fireplace, fire officials said.

“Ashes from a fireplace or outside fire pit should never be discarded right away in a plastic trash can, cardboard box, or paper bag,” said Geoff Woolard, Fire Marshal. “A good rule of thumb is to let the ashes cool at least 24 hours in the fire pit and check to see if any hot ashes remain by using a scoop or metal fire poker.”

If no hot embers or ashes are found, the ashes can be placed into a metal bucket or container with a lid to sit outside for an additional 24-48 hours before finally bagging for trash pickup, he said, adding that residents should also make sure their trash service will accept cold ashes as part of their normal pick-up policy.