SALT LAKE CITY — Fire officials believe that a lawn mower started a fire that burned down two apartment buildings in Millcreek on Friday.
But, they still say residents should mow their lawns when fire danger is high.
Kelly Bird with Unified Fire Authority concedes that a lawnmower can start a fire if the blade hits something like a rock or other stray material. But keeping the grass short is a proactive move that Bird said is worthwhile.
“Continual maintenance on these properties is going to be a much safer avenue to take,” Bird said, “rather than trying to do it in one fell swoop once a year or twice a year. Doing it on a consistent basis is going to provide us that safer opportunity for sure.”
How to safely mow when fire danger is high
Bird recommends walking through the area to be mowed before starting. He said the goal is to remove rocks or other things that could cause a spark.
“We have a steel blade underneath a mower that’s spinning. If it hits a rock, it can produce a spark,” he said…