overuse of competing ammonium nitrate fertilizers, or very dry soil," says Mary Jane Duford, certified master gardener, permaculture garden designer, and founder of Home for the Harvest.

The lawn and garden fertilizer plant is home to more than 300 tons of ammonium nitrate, and officials feared a potential explosion. According to local media, the fire started Monday night.

Residents of Newcastle have expressed fears about the town’s vast stockpile of ammonium nitrate Mining company Orica said stringent practices are in place to ensure its safe storage and handling ...