Warmer Weather Brings Mulch Fires at Heights of Collingswood

Warm, dry weather and stray sparks don't mix, especially when you're around mulch piles that can fuel a fire.

In the past week, the Collingswood Fire Department has been called out to the Heights of Collingswood apartment building four times to extinguish fires that started in mulch piles on the property.

Two happened in the afternoon and evening of April 3 outside the "C" Tower, one in the afternoon of April 7 outside the "A" Tower, and two within an hour April 9, also outside the "A" Tower.

Fire Chief Keith Davis says there is "nothing really suspicious" about the activity; when new mulch is laid, it can burn for a while if a spark is introduced.

Lately it's been a common issue in surrounding towns, too, he said.

"Every time when the weather starts warming up and people start mulching, we get a little dry spell," Davis said; "it’s usually a discarded cigarette."

The best advice, Davis said, is to keep your mulch watered and moist—and call the fire department at the first sign of trouble.

"A quick response and people calling it in right away usually takes care of it," he said.