Hot Start to Spring Brings Mulch Fires in Kentucky

Firefighters in northern Kentucky have been responding to a rash of mulch fires.

Officials say unusually warm and dry weather has created conditions in which mulch catches fire easily – usually from carelessly discarded cigarette butts.

The Kentucky Enquirer reported that an April 10 alarm came in for a structure fire, during which Florence Fire/EMS Chief Marc Muench said “send in the cavalry.” As it turned out, mulch was on fire near a building.

Florence Mayor Diane Whalen said there are reports of similar fires all over Boone County. Muench said most are the result of tossed cigarettes, but some are caused by spontaneous combustion.