RCFD Responds to Saturday Potting Soil Fire

Rapid City, S.D. - Last week we shared with you information regarding potting soil fires.You can read more here: https://bit.ly/2LcKtgm

On Saturday, we were dispatched to an apartment building in the Robbinsdale area for a report of a structure fire. When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from a second floor balcony. When crews made their way to the balcony, the found the fire had originated in a 2.2 cubic foot bag of peat moss. This bag was on a south facing deck. The bag had been in the same place for about two weeks. The fire was isolated to the area where it started. The crew provided some education and encouraged the occupant to find an area for their potted plants with less sun exposure.

Southern aspects of homes generally get the most sun exposure and therefore the most heat. Potted plants and potting soils in these areas are most susceptible to catching fire if they do not remain watered. For questions regarding potting soil fires, you may contact the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180.