CUMBERLAND — A riding lawn mower backfired, igniting a garage fire that injured one person on Winifred Road Friday evening, according to fire department officials.
The fire in a single-story, detached garage, carport style structure at 525 Winifred Road, was determined to be accidental, according to Cumberland Fire Department Interim Chief Cody Pearce.
“The fire was caused by a riding mower backfiring while being stored after use,” Pearce said. “Damage was primarily contained to the garage and a vehicle inside.”
Heat damage to nearby home siding, vehicles and a small outbuilding was also reported.
Cumberland Fire Department units were dispatched just before 4 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the Allegany County Joint Communications Center.
Pearce said that when fire department units arrived, they discovered a well-involved detached garage.
“During firefighting operations, a single explosion occurred within the structure,” Pearce said. “Likely related to a propane tank. Debris was thrown from the building, but all personnel were accounted for and no firefighters were injured.
The blaze involved a riding lawn mower, a vehicle, an unknown amount of propane tanks and various lawn equipment stored inside the garage, according to Pearce.
One person sustained minor burns to their face and was evaluated by EMS on the scene, but declined transport, according to Pearce.
Units from Cumberland and Allegany County Department of Emergency Services responded to the incident. While units were on the scene, Ridgeley, Bedford Road and a DES ambulance transferred to city fire department headquarters, the spokesperson for the Joint Communications Center said.
Todd Bowman is a local and national journalist specializing in public safety news. Follow his work on all social media platforms @ThePeakedT.