CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a barn fire that appears to have been sparked by a hot lawn mower.
CCFR crews were dispatched to the structure fire at around 3:20 p.m. on Monday.
Firefighters say when they arrived at the scene located on North Perry Drive in Beverly Hills, a 30×30 barn was fully engulfed in flames.
CCFR says firefighters from Pine Ridge, Hernando, and Connell Heights joined them to battle the blaze.
Emergency responders say when the homeowner confirmed all occupants and animals were safely out of the building.
CCFR says they were able to apply water and get it under control just six minutes after they arrived.
They say the last unit stuck around until after 5 p.m. to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished and in no danger of reigniting.
Firefighters say the homeowner admitted to parking a hot lawn mower in the barn, which likely ignited hay on the floor and then quickly spread to other parts of the structure.
They estimate damage to the structure and contents to be more than $33,000.
Firefighters want to remind you of the importance of allowing lawn mowers and other equipment to cool down before storing them in enclosed spaces, especially where there are flammable materials present.