2-Alarm Fire Traced to Lawnmower in Jarrettsville: Fire Marshal

The homeowner discovered the fire in the 3900 block of Boxwood Road and tried to put it out with a garden hose at approximately 12:54 p.m., the fire marshal reported. Ultimately, it took 50 firefighters about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

According to the fire marshal, a John Deere riding lawnmower used before the fire had been parked in the garage, where it ignited grass clippings and other items nearby.

After finding the attached garage engulfed in flames, the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company led crews from Harford and Cecil counties and York, Pa., in containing the blaze before 1:30 p.m., said Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

The homeowners and their grandson had been home at the time of the fire, and they escaped, as well as one cat who was rescued and revived by medics, according to the fire marshal. Another cat perished in the blaze, the fire marshal reported.

The family was being assisted by the Red Cross, friends and relatives, officials said. The Red Cross reported that its team of disaster volunteers met with two victims to make sure they had clothing, food and lodging.

The fire marshal ruled the blaze accidental and said it caused $250,000 in structural damage and $250,000 worth of items inside the home were also lost.

Photo Credit: Mark Ensor, courtesy of Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.