Warnings to homeowners about storing potting soil under deck following fire in Brambleton, Virginia

House firePhoto byJen TheodoreonUnsplash

Patch Virginia reported that five people were displaced on Saturday, September 21, 2024 following a two-alarm fire in Brambleton, Virginia. Firefighters concluded that potting soil stored under the deck was the fire's origin. Damages have been estimated to be at $1,696,864, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to residents or firefighters. However, the fire caused the sidings of houses on both sides to be damaged.

Explanation of the potting soil

Potting SoilPhoto byCraig ThomasonUnsplash

The fire marshal explained that fires originate in landscaping mulch and other organic planting materials that can quickly spread to shrubs, exterior walls, and houses.

Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams said in a news release:

"Spontaneous combustion can happen when a decomposing, organic material, such as mulch or potting soil, generates enough heat to ignite without an outside source. As a result, a large or compacted area of these materials can create sufficient heat to spontaneously combust. It’s important to remember that in all cases, these fires are more likely to occur when the weather is hot."

Recommendations to homeowners

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue recommends the following tips for fire safety with potting soil and other garden and landscaping materials.

• Keep potting soil and other garden and landscaping materials from under wooden decks.
• Keep landscaped mulch beds as moist as possible.
• Be aware that hot and dry spells and windy conditions could cause mulch fires to start quickly.
• Use only approved receptacles to dispose of matches, cigarettes, and cigars. Metal or ceramic sand-filled containers can be used.
• Immediately call 911 to report any smoke or fire.