Crews fight massive mulch pile on fire

SAN CARLOS PARK, Fla. – Fire crews are busy fighting a massive fire in south Lee County, as a large pile of mulch burns.

Workers at MW Horticulture Recycling noticed the 50X50, 20 foot tall mulch pile burning around 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. San Carlos Park Fire Department arrived and established four hose lines, including their aerial truck to battle the fire.

Crews anticipate because of the size of the mulch pile they could be on scene for at-least three days, until the fire is fully extinguished.

Denise Houghtaling, owner of MW Horticulture Recycling, says the internal temperature of the pile on fire was only around 80 degrees when last checked on Monday. Typically the mulch piles are not a concern for them until the temperature nears 200 degrees.

Crews will Investigate to determine what may have started the fire, if it was internal combustion or an act vandalism.
Because of the large amount of smoke generated by the mulch pile on fire, people living in the area of Alico Rd. and U.S. 41 are asked to keep their windows and doors closed. The smoke is not toxic but can irritate your mouth, nose and eyes.