A dramatic cluster of mulch fires on the East Bank of the Flats last weekend has been the number one trending story all week, and incredible video of the smoke and flames has gone viral.
Although the mulch fires were a first for the Flats according to bar and restaurant owners, conditions that fueled the fire have not improved since last weekend, meaning conditions are ripe for similar fires to happen around Northeast Ohio.
Cleveland Firefighters suspect someone discarded a cigarette that sparked the initial fire in the Flats, because mulch is extremely combustible, but it was also a perfect storm because the flames were fueled by strong winds that cause it to spread and extremely dry conditions. Cleveland’s last measurable rainfall in June was on the 14th, that was nine days ago.