Crime & Safety

Pensinula Fire Possibly Caused By Lawnmower

Several small explosions occurred prior to firefighters' arrival.

ATHERTON, CA -- The cause of a Thursday fire that destroyed a shed and damaged the garage of a home on Greenoaks Drive may have been a lawn mower being used nearby, the town's fire chief said.

The fire, reported at 4:06 p.m., caused an estimated $50,000 to $100,000 in damages to the two structures.

The owners of the home reported it, said Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman.

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The cause wasn't certain by this afternoon, but Schapelhouman said a lawn mower used a short time before the fire was reported is suspected.

Several small explosions occurred prior to firefighters' arrival, Schapelhouman said, likely caused by propane cylinders, aerosol cans and gasoline stored in the shed.

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A downed power line near the garage also complicated firefighting efforts, he said.

The fire was under control by 4:33 p.m., and the house was never in danger, Schapelhouman said.

--By Bay City News/Photo via Shutterstock