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Jul 15, 2008 5:48 pm US/Central
Potted Plant Caused House Fire In Mendota Heights
(WCCO)
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Mendota Heights Fire Chief John Maczko said potting soil in a plastic pot caused the fire.
CBS
Fire
investigators are warning people that a fire could spark in potted plants on
their deck or patio. They said the chance is rare, but it did happen to one
Twin Cities family.
A fire
destroyed the Stoven's home last week on Bluebill Drive in Mendota Heights.
Now, the
family is hoping their story will prevent another disaster.
Tuesday
afternoon, the Stoven's went through a few boxes full of what's left of their
belongings. Gayle Stoven said she didn't even notice the damage, she was just
happy her 17-year-old daughter was alive.
"I saw my
daughter and it was like praise the Lord you're alive -- that's all that
counts," Stoven said.
Stoven's
daughter, Amy, was sleeping in the home last Tuesday morning. She was the
only one inside when the fire started and was pulled to safety by two strangers
driving by.
Mendota Heights
Fire Chief John Maczko said potting soil in a plastic pot caused the
fire. The right amount of wind, warmth and moisture mixed with the peat
moss sparked it. The pot sat next to a propane tank which wasn't all the
way off and from there the whole house went up.
Maczko said
this kind of combustion is rare, but all the elements where there.
Plant
experts said clay pots are safer since they hold in heat and water is key to preventing
fires.
Experts
also said it's important to clean out your planters. If you store potting
soil in your garage or on your deck don't leave it near any heat sources.
Also, don't
put out cigarettes in dirt. That heat source can quickly ignite the
potting soil.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
