Mulch Spontaneously Combusts, Causing Fire That Destroyed A Barn In Purcellville

PURCELLVILLE, VA — A barn caught fire in Purcellville on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities said the blaze was caused by mulch that spontaneously combusted.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Officials from the fire marshal's office estimated that the blaze caused $532,000 in damages.

The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A caller said the barn on Lincoln Road had caught fire and the flames were spreading towards multiple propane tanks.

When firefighters arrived, the 40 foot by 80 foot barn and significant smoke and fire emitting from it. The fire department said first responders quickly extinguished the blaze and remained on the scene to extinguish hot spots.

After its investigation, the fire marshal's office announced that the fire was sparked by the spontaneous combustion of mulch and potting soil in a flower box.

System Chief Keith Johnson explained the process in a news release on Wednesday. "Spontaneous combustion can happen when a decomposing, organic material such as mulch generates enough heat to ignite without an outside source," Johnson said. "Because of this, a large or compacted area of mulch can create sufficient heat to spontaneously combust."

Fire officials said residents should maintain distance between mulch beds and building materials, ensure clearance between mulch and electric devices, and dispose of matches or smoking materials safely.

Johnson also noted that the weather can play a factor in the combustion process. "Remember, in all cases, mulch fires are more likely to start when the weather is hot, and it has been dry for an extended period," he said in a news release.

More information about fire prevention is available on the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue website.