"Geologists say shifting earth layers in this area exposes rock components to oxygen, which can react and create extreme heat, triggering spontaneous combustion. This happens routinely at this spot, causing volcanic-like flare-ups."
"When the earth layers of the cliffside move, oxygen can interact with unstable compounds in the rocks - including iron sulfides - which produces a lot of heat during the oxidation process. That heat can build so quickly and so high under the right circumstances that organic materials in the area spontaneously combust."
"Every couple years, the same thing happens. And while it might look like a mini volcano, it's far from it."
The 'Hope Ranch Volcano' in Santa Barbara is not a volcano but a site of spontaneous combustion caused by shifting earth layers. Geologists explain that oxygen interacts with unstable rock compounds, generating extreme heat that can ignite organic materials. This phenomenon has occurred regularly since the 1800s. Firefighters recently responded to flames and smoke from this area, which included a smoldering fire in an underground drainage pipe. They successfully contained the fire without damaging nearby structures.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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