Lawnmower Catches Fire In Ellington; Officials Reiterate Safety Tips

ELLINGTON, CT — In the wake of a red flag fire warning which has been in effect in Connecticut for nearly two weeks, a riding lawnmower caught fire in Ellington Thursday, prompting town officials to reiterate some safety tips.

On social media, officials have reminded residents to:

• Avoid using lawnmowers on dry vegetation
• Be mindful of burn bans in the area; be sure to obtain proper permits
• Never leave outdoor fires unattended and, when weather safely allows for outdoor fires, extinguish them properly and completely with plenty of water
• Soak ashes and used charcoal in water and dispose of these materials in a metal can
• Report unattended outdoor fires immediately to 911
• Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle
• Do not pull your vehicle over in dry grass
• Ensure that trailer chains do not drag on the ground

Ellington Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Smith could not be reached for comment.

Numerous brush fires have plagued the state in recent weeks, including a massive blaze which began in late afternoon on Oct. 21 at Lamentation Mountain State Park in Berlin. That fire, which apparently started due to a campfire which was not properly extinguished, has been burning for 11 days, has consumed more than 120 acres and is still just 30 percent contained, according to the latest figures provided by state officials.

Lack of rainfall over the last several weeks has hindered efforts to put out the Berlin fire, and no showers are expected in the forecast until next Wednesday at the earliest, according to the National Weather Service.