Lawnmowers Can Cause Fire Damage

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Any lawn mower, electric or gas can catch fire. 

Fuel hazards are one of the leading reasons for fire in the gas-powered lawnmower. Fuel leaking onto the motor, as well as fuel vapors around a hot muffler can cause a fire.  A gas cap leak or sloppy fueling can easily spark a fire. 

Experts recommend that you fill a mower only when it is cool.

Gas powered mowers are not the only type responsible for fires. Electric mowers can have a short in the circuit board or power cord.

Mowers frequently cause fires by the way they are used as well. Using a mower in tall, dry grass can cause the grass to become stuck in the mower deck. This grass gets packed into the hot muffler and catches fire. Not only does the mower get burned, it can set off a grass or field fire which could also affect structures such as homes, garages and outbuildings. 

Best practices for using your lawn mower include:

* Never fuel up a hot mower.

* Replace any leaky gas caps.

* Clear rocks from the mowing area.

* Keep the mower clean of fuel.

* Routinely clean out grass from the mower blades with a hose. Never put your hands near the blade unless the spark plug has been disconnected and the unit has completely cooled.

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties is available 24/7 365 days a year to assist you with fire/smoke damages at your home or business. Contact us at 540-433-6100