RICHMOND—As summer heat amps up, so does the risk of setting off a natural disaster while tidying up the yard.

Lawn mowers and other yard equipment like weed eaters, chainsaws, grinders, welders and tractors can potentially trigger wildfires during the dry, hot summer months.

Lawn mowers can spark a fiery chain reaction in a number of ways, noted Scott DeNoon, a member of Virginia Farm Bureau’s Safety Advisory Committee.

Dry grass that has built up in the mower deck and reached the muffler can catch fire, fall out and ignite the surrounding area.

“Additionally, the mower blades can hit rocks or other hidden debris in dry vegetation and generate sparks that ignite dry weeds, brush and leaves,” DeNoon added.

The Virginia Department of Forestry responded to 21 wildfires in a single week in June.

Wildfires are especially dangerous to people who use forests and outdoor areas or live in nearby homes and communities. They also wreak havoc on the environment—harming wildlife and their habitats.

Unlike most natural disasters, nine out of 10 wildfires are sparked by humans—meaning most are preventable.

Common causes of lawn mower fires include adding fuel or oil to a hot engine and failing to properly maintain a mower. A lawn mower can overheat and ignite if the carburetor has a leaky gasket, DeNoon cautioned.

“Invest the time necessary to create a safe mowing experience,” he said.

Before starting up the mower, DeNoon advises keeping the following safety tips in mind:

• Fill up the mower with gas, and check the oil level before use. Let the mower cool down before refueling.
   
• 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.
   
• Mow in the early morning hours before temperatures rise and humidity levels drop. DOF recommends mowing before 10 a.m.
   
• Avoid mowing during excessively dry, hot or windy days whenever possible.
   
• Maintain mowing equipment to prevent overheating, and inspect before each use.
   
• Ensure that the blades are sharp—dull blades are more likely to produce sparks.
   
• Check for fuel leaks.
   
• Remove rocks and debris from the mowing area.

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. homeowner and farmowner policies provide coverage for fires caused by lawnmowers that damage covered property.

For more wildfire prevention tips, visit dof.virginia.gov.

Media: Contact DeNoon at 804-290-1379.