Leonardtown, MD – A malfunctioning riding mower sparked a house fire that damaged a home and seriously injured the homeowner, state investigators reported. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze Oct. 3 at a two-story wood-framed house on Paw Paw Hallow Lane in Leonardtown was reported around 2:44 p.m.
“The investigation revealed the cause of the fire was a mechanical failure of the riding mower, which was parked in the attached garage,” a deputy fire marshal’s report stated. “The fire spread from the garage into the house. The homeowner was able to escape through the rear of the house. He was suffering from smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital.”
The homeowner is identified in the deputy fire marshal’s report as James Pickeral.
Damage to the house is estimated at $650,000.
Thirty firefighters were dispatched to the one-alarm blaze and brought the flames under control in 15 minutes.
Previous report
9:15 a.m.) A person who escaped a home fire on Paw Paw Hollow Lane is being rushed to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. A dog rescued from the home is also being assessed for injuries.
