A stubborn overnight fire in a pile of construction materials at an Irvine landscaping material company was caused by spontaneous combustion, authorities said Tuesday.
The fire was reported at Tierra Verde Industries at 56 Fairbanks around 10:15 p.m. Monday, Orange County fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. It was extinguished hours later, before dawn.
The 5,600-square-foot fire posed no danger, although it generated a column of smoke that was visible for miles, he said. The flames were extinguished about 4:30 a.m., Concialdi said.
Initial reports had indicated the fire was in a compost heap, but it was later determined that was not the case, Concialdi said.
“The fire consumed a pile representing less than a day’s (worth of) unprocessed construction and demolition materials,” according to the company. “All the materials involved are non-hazardous.”
Twenty-five firefighters were sent to battle the fire, which was caused by spontaneous combustion, Concialdi said. Company crews assisted in the firefighting effort.
The loss was estimated at about $4,000, Concialdi said.
—City News Service