Lawnmower confirmed cause of Golden Gate Estates fire
Updated: May 23, 2017 4:48 PM EST
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. -
State forestry officials confirmed Tuesday that a massive fire that burned 7,500 acres in Golden Gate Estates last month was caused by a lawnmower.
A homeowner on 30th Avenue SE said he was mowing the lawn the morning of April 20, and when he went into his house, he noticed smoke coming from the rear of his property.
He called 911 and tried to extinguish the fire, but was unable to.
Officials say the lawnmower likely caused the fire, either by striking a rock or from the mower itself.
The fire destroyed five structures, with an estimated total loss of more than $400,000.
The homeowner will be responsible for paying suppression costs associated with the fire, but no criminal charges will be filed.