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ST. GEORGE — A structure fire in Littlefield, Arizona, spread quickly and destroyed a home Monday evening despite the quick response of firefighters from two fire departments. The suspected – and surprising – culprit of the fire was a basic chemical reaction: spontaneous combustion of peat moss in a planter on the porch of the home.
Firefighters and emergency responders were dispatched to a structure fire located on Scenic Boulevard in Littlefield that involved a small single-family residence that was engulfed in flames, Chief Jeff Hunt with Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire and Rescue, said.
Fire engines and trucks responded from both Beaver Dam/Littlefield Fire and Rescue and Mesquite Fire Departments, and within minutes, the trucks pulled up to a scene where flames could be seen coming from the residence.
Fire crews began attacking the blaze that was spreading throughout the structure quickly, Hunt said, but with crews from both departments and extra equipment they were able to contain it quickly.
The fire was completely extinguished and any remaining embers or hot spots were discovered and doused with water to reduce the threat of the home reigniting later. Within two hours fire crews were released.
While investigating the fire, Hunt spoke to the homeowner, who said he noticed smoke emanating from a planting pot that contained peat moss located on the front porch and doused it with water before removing it from the porch.
