Firefighters outside the Office Depot on New Britain Avenue in West Hartford said mulch in the parking lot spontaneously combusted because of today's sweltering heat.
A car parked next to the mulch island received some heat damage from the flames. Trees and bushes were scorched before the fire department could douse the flames.
Residents who have mulch outside their homes should water it periodically to minimize the risk of a fire, according to the fire department.
