Spontaneously combusting teatowels cause $1m fire in Australia

Spontaneously combusting teatowels have caused a $1 million factory fire in Adelaide's western suburbs.

The Metropolitan Fire Service was called to the fire at the International Linen Service in Stephens Ave at Torrensville about 12.30am. MFS spokesman Greg Staple said 40 fire fighters took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Fire cause investigator Shaun Ruxton said the fire was started by large piles of teatowels in the centre of the factory. He said fires can be a problem with some cotton-based materials that have traces of oil and other chemicals on them and are bundled before they cool down.



"After they are washed and then dried using heat, they pack 'em and stack 'em," he said.

"Depending on the type of material, the heat rises and builds up faster than it dissipates and builds to a level where it starts to smoulder. "(But) it's a very rare occurrance."

Mr Ruxton said cotton-based materials like teatowels should be allowed to cool first, or stacked in smaller bundles.