Crews get creative to put out Trotwood mulch fires

Mulch fires are so plentiful in one Trotwood spot firefighters have created different methods to put them out.

The problem is recurring at the Trotwood Connector/Turner Road Extension. Drivers who pull up to a stop light there are disposing of cigarette butts by tossing them into the mulch.

The mulch has caught fire several times, officials said.

Firefighters have decided it isn’t always necessary to drive a fire truck to the location since sometimes the mulch is only smoldering.

They are using smaller vehicles instead to save on gasoline costs. Using the smaller vehicle also means less wear and tear on the trucks.

Crews have gotten creative with their methods of extinguishing smoke and fire. Instead of using a hose, firefighters are using a bucket of water and golf clubs, or a rake, or other tools handy at the time they are called to extinguish.

Though the smaller methods are cost-saving, firefighters want the public to stop disposing of cigarette butts or any litter.

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