Plant Combust on deck and sparks catches house on fire.

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Home insurance may cover the cost of fire damage.

We are currently working on an uncommon fire loss. Last Sunday, a deck caught on fire after a flower pot spontaneously combusted. The fire investigation is still taking place but the plant food or fertilizer seems to be the culprit. While it is usually safe to use these products for your plants, too many variables such as temperature, placement of kindling, all lined up “just right” to combust and start a fire.

Some propane tanks were located nearby and exploded when the fire spread, making matters worse. The fire destroyed the deck and continued to spread to the side of the house, attic, kitchen, and dining room. There is smoke damage all throughout the home.

Unfortunately, the fire damage was so severe that the home will have to go all the way down to the studs. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is working hard to remove all the affected content as well as demolishing damaged walls and built-ins to dispose of. Our crew will continue to clear out the home, clean the smoke, soot, and fire ruins. Removing the smoke odor will also be a priority.

A lot of this homeowner’s contents were nonsalvageable but some old heirlooms will be cleaned and stored away until their home is restored.

Sometimes, disasters just happen.