POLAND – A mulch fire at the former Jolly Gardener on Sunday brought out crews from nearly two dozen towns, sent three firefighters to the hospital and left a cloud of smoke hanging over a large section of Androscoggin County.

In coming days, the blaze produced something else: gratitude from the company saved by the efforts of firefighters.

“They are heroes and risk their lives every day to protect us,” Rusty Morrison, general manager of Oldcastle Lawn and Garden North, wrote Thursday in a statement. “I can’t express enough how proud we are of them and how relieved we are that the three injured firefighters who were medically treated have been released following this dangerous event.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire and determined that the mulch itself was to blame. The cause was declared the result of spontaneous combustion, according to Poland Fire Chief Mark Bosse.

Much of the Oldcastle inventory was untouched by the fire, according to Morrison. Damaged items were in the process of being removed, he said. The facility itself sustained partial damage to some plant buildings and equipment. Morrison said they would be rebuilt.

More than 100 firefighters from about 20 communities fought far into Sunday night to contain more than 20 acres of blazing mulch at the plant on Route 122. The plant was not in operation Sunday afternoon. The blaze was reported by a security guard.

Fire officials attributed the quickly spreading fire to dry conditions and wind. A huge cloud of smoke could be seen from surrounding communities.

Production at Oldcastle was temporarily interrupted while the fire was mopped up and business officials began to assess the damage and safety issues. Bulk product operations have resumed, Morrison said, and bagged production will start up again by the end of the week.

“Thanks to the dedication and professional response of these brave firefighters, we are going to be able to make a remarkable recovery and resume business,” Morrison said.