When safety falls by the wayside, summertime yardwork can trigger catastrophic consequences.
Lawn mowers, tractors, brush cutters and other popular yard equipment can potentially spark wildfires during the dry, hot summer months.
“Rising temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds can all play a factor in what the fire service calls ‘red flag warnings,’” explained Michael Downey, Virginia Department of Forestry assistant director of fire and emergency response.
The Virginia DOF responded to 356 wildfires that burned 4,920 acres from Feb. 15 through April 30, and 57 wildfires spanning over 200 acres in May alone.
Wildfires are especially dangerous to people who use forests and outdoor areas or live in nearby homes and communities. They also wreak havoc on the environment—harming wildlife and their habitats.
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Lawn mowers can spark a fiery chain reaction in myriad ways—like when dry debris ignites on hot engine surfaces, leaking fuel reaches the exhaust, or mechanical sparks ignite fuel vapor or faulty wiring.
Mower fires most commonly ignite when blades hit a rock and generate sparks, and from equipment without spark arrestors.
“These are safety devices designed to trap or cool hot exhaust particles expelled by internal combustion engines,” Downey explained.
He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and equipment care in helping mitigate fire risk.
Before starting up the mower, the Virginia DOF advises keeping the following safety tips in mind:
- Mow before 10 a.m. while humidity is still high and temperatures are cooler.
- Avoid mowing dry grass or when it’s windy.
- Keep your mower well-maintained to prevent overheating, and inspect before each use.
- Remove rocks, debris and other potential strike hazards from the mowing area.
“Up to 90% of wildfires in Virginia are human-caused and primarily from debris burning,” Downey noted. “If precautions are not taken, life and property are at risk.”
He encourages Virginians to skip mowing and transform manicured lawns into bustling pollinator habitats.
Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s homeowner and farmowner policies provide coverage for fires caused by lawn mowers that damage covered property.
For more wildfire prevention tips, visit dof.virginia.gov.
