Community Risk

Ind. Mulch Fire Lights Up Night 'Like a Volcano'

Nov. 9, 2010

MOORESVILLE, Ind. -- Firefighters were able to douse a mulch fire that lit up the night sky early Monday morning and smoldered for several more hours. The fire began at Greendell Mulch and Mix between Monrovia and Mooresville at about 1 a.m. The blaze on top of the pile was visible for several miles. "It looked like a volcano in the sky, actually. You could see it all the way from Monrovia," said Monroe Township fire Lt. Brian Hammond.

MOORESVILLE, Ind. --

Firefighters were able to douse a mulch fire that lit up the night sky early Monday morning and smoldered for several more hours.

The fire began at Greendell Mulch and Mix between Monrovia and Mooresville at about 1 a.m.

The blaze on top of the pile was visible for several miles.

"It looked like a volcano in the sky, actually. You could see it all the way from Monrovia," said Monroe Township fire Lt. Brian Hammond.

Workers tried to contain the fire by using a bulldozer to turn the mulch, but the bulldozer lost power and flames spread.

Crews were released from the scene at about 9:30 a.m. Fire officials said the blaze likely began with spontaneous combustion, which is relatively common in mulch fires.