So...has anyone ever heard of a compost pile igniting itself into flames? Compost combustion? Somewhere in these posts someone mentioned avoiding adding oil to a pile with lots of wood ash...any other suggestions? My pile gets really hot- but I don't want to start a blaze or anything!


Sasha

So...has anyone ever heard of a compost pile igniting itself into flames?

Actually, yes. There was an oversized (we're talking football field sizes here, folks) compost pile in our city that burst into spontaneous combustion and burned for several weeks before it could be put out. . .but there was very poor management.


Somewhere in these posts someone mentioned avoiding adding oil to a pile with lots of wood ash...any other suggestions?

If you combine oil with wood ashes you get SOAP. The chemical reaction does create some heat, but again, size makes a difference. A few feet high and deep, OK. Football fields sizes, well, let's don't do that.

It actually happens quite often. Google "compost" or "mulch" and "fire".

Fito

See??????!!!!!!!!
And ya'll gave me such a hard time about my story!

Kathe

Kathe, Please keep it up. I love your stories, and all the help you have provided to each one of us. My garden thanks you and looks much better this year. Thank you for convincing me to foliar feed. I have seen the light and will continue to.

Oh, Gar, ya make me blush...
Hope I'm not boring everybody else!
Kathe