DETROIT – A massive mulch fire in Detroit that was burning for nearly three days has been extinguished.
The Detroit Fire Department had been working since around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2024, to put out a mulch fire in the area of Prairie and Lyndon streets. The fire was declared extinguished on Friday, Aug. 23, after burning for around 66 hours.
Due to the nature of the fire, officials said it would not be surprising if it rekindled. Fire crews have left the scene of the fire, though they are prepared to respond if it does rekindle.
An investigation is still underway to determine what started the fire. However, officials said spontaneous combustion is known to happen because as mulch generates heat as it breaks down.
In this case, some of the mulch piles were stacked at least 20 feet high with the length stretching several football fields. The fire department said embers and hot spots were found deep in the mulch, making it more difficult to fight.
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