Mardela Springs mower fire injures man, sparks $4,000 loss on Sharptown Road
Mardela Springs, MD – A routine yard work task escalated into a fire Saturday afternoon when a zero-turn lawn mower ignited dry grass in a ditch along Sharptown Road, leaving the operator with burn injuries and thousands of dollars in damage. The incident unfolded in the 10000 block just before 3 p.m., drawing a response from local firefighters and emergency crews.
The fire, involving a Bad Boy brand zero-turn lawn mower, was brought under control in approximately 10 minutes by the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company. Officials said the blaze originated near the engine exhaust and was determined to be accidental.
Fire sparked by hot exhaust in dry grass
According to the investigation, the mower became stuck while cutting a ditch, creating conditions that led to ignition. “The lawn mower was being used to cut a ditch when it became stuck in a soft area. While the operator was attempting to get the lawn mower out, the hot exhaust ignited the grass,” officials said.
The operator attempted to extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher but suffered burns in the process. “The subject was burned trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher,” officials said.
Key Points
- Lawn mower fire broke out Saturday afternoon on Sharptown Road in Mardela Springs
- Fire caused by hot exhaust igniting dry grass while mower was stuck in a ditch
- Operator airlifted to burn center with non-life-threatening injuries
Injured man airlifted to burn center
Emergency responders requested Maryland State Police Aviation Command to transport the injured adult male to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center. Authorities confirmed the injuries were not life-threatening.
Six firefighters responded to the single-alarm incident. No structures were damaged, and no residents were displaced. Officials estimated the loss at $4,000, limited to the lawn mower.
Investigators identified the area of origin as the engine exhaust and ruled the preliminary cause as accidental due to prolonged exposure of hot exhaust to dry grass.