Fire officials urge Utahns to mow their lawns even when fire danger is high

Editor’s note: Additional information has been added to this story which reflects the ownership of a field adjacent to the fire. 

SALT LAKE CITY — Fire officials believe that a lawn mower sparked a flame and started a fire that burned down two apartment buildings in Millcreek on Friday.

According to KSL.com, the fire started in Salt Lake City Public Utilities maintenance yard. But on Monday, officials directed their comments to residents and reminded them to keep mowing their lawns even 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.

He said checking the area to be mowed is especially important if there is overgrown grass or other foliage. Using a weed whacker beforehand, and watering the area the the night before you mow, are two other ways to safely mow a lawn that is overgrown.

What if the overgrown or dry grass isn’t yours?

Your own lawn may not be a potential fire danger. Rather, Bird said they’re more concerned about abandoned lots and fields that are only cut once or twice a year.

If a field or abandoned property next to you needs to be cut, contact your city for help.

In Salt Lake City, there is an ordinance that requires weeds to be kept to just 6 inches. On its website, Salt Lake City officials said overgrown vegetation and debris are considered nuisances as well as violations of city code.