What can I do to prevent a Compost bin from Spontaneous Combustion?

Question

What can I do to prevent a Compost bin from Spontaneous Combustion?

Answer 1

keep turning it over and mixing it up so that the hot spots end up at the top of the pile.  

Answer 2

Hey Pete, Hey Pete, (sorry I got caught up in your screen name)  Properly prepared compost should not spontaneously burn.  Ample moisture, timely turning, proper mix of green and brown materials, aeration and a high quality thermometer will ensure your successs.  

Composting is, after all, a controlled decomposition, where as fire is an uncontrolled like process.  If your pile reaches 160 degrees f, its to hot.  Turn the pile adding more brown matter.  Remember common combustibles (cellulose) ignite at 255 degrees f.  Good Luck, Good Luck!