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Playgrounds closed after 'fluke' fire
Jungle damn hot here in Texas. Playground equipment bursting into flames.
AISD
A security camera captured this image of the playground ablaze.
11:57 AM CDT on Tuesday, August 14, 2007
By CRAIG CIVALE / WFAA-TV
ARLINGTON — The Arlington Independent School District has closed nearly two dozen playgrounds that are at risk of spontaneous combustion.
The 20 playgrounds affected are the ones that use manufactured mulch as a cushion. Investigators said the engineered wood fiber can heat up and ignite, which actually happened at one playground last week.
A security camera video shows the Arlington facility—which was, fortunately, not being used at the time—suddenly erupting in flames and thick, black smoke.
"Although this is a very unusual occurrence, we're not going to take chances with the safety of children," said AISD Superintendent Mac Bernd.
Other school districts that may have the same problem are also expressing concern.
Industry experts, however, say spontaneous combustiion can only happen when there's a "perfect storm" of events. "It's completely illogical and virtually impossible in a playground," said mulch distributor Baron Ablon. "Spontaneous combustion comes along with pressure—great pressure, extreme pressure—the right amount of moisture, and various other elements."
Investigators concluded that the Arlington fire was triggered by heavy rains followed by hot weather. The extreme heat broke down the mulch into a type of compost, which can be combustible.
Arlington schools will replace the mulch with pea gravel.
By CRAIG CIVALE / WFAA-TV
ARLINGTON — The Arlington Independent School District has closed nearly two dozen playgrounds that are at risk of spontaneous combustion.
The 20 playgrounds affected are the ones that use manufactured mulch as a cushion. Investigators said the engineered wood fiber can heat up and ignite, which actually happened at one playground last week.
A security camera video shows the Arlington facility—which was, fortunately, not being used at the time—suddenly erupting in flames and thick, black smoke.
"Although this is a very unusual occurrence, we're not going to take chances with the safety of children," said AISD Superintendent Mac Bernd.
Other school districts that may have the same problem are also expressing concern.
Industry experts, however, say spontaneous combustiion can only happen when there's a "perfect storm" of events. "It's completely illogical and virtually impossible in a playground," said mulch distributor Baron Ablon. "Spontaneous combustion comes along with pressure—great pressure, extreme pressure—the right amount of moisture, and various other elements."
Investigators concluded that the Arlington fire was triggered by heavy rains followed by hot weather. The extreme heat broke down the mulch into a type of compost, which can be combustible.
Arlington schools will replace the mulch with pea gravel.
AISD
A security camera captured this image of the playground ablaze.
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