Maricopa fire sparks federal safety probe

The federal government is investigating a ride-on lawnmower that went up in flames in Maricopa last year. 

Maricopa Fire and Medical Department used 300 gallons of water to extinguish the lawnmower fire on Rancho El Dorado Parkway July 21, 2023. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown, according to fire department records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. There were no injuries. 

Now, half a year later, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating why the mower combusted and if the model is dangerous. The agency works to protect consumers from unreasonable risk or harm by defective or violative products. 

CPSC Product Safety Investigator Mary B. Notsch sent a letter to Maricopa Fire and Medical Department dated Jan. 16, asking for photos and an investigation report on the mower fire. 

Notsche told InMaricopa she was looking into the incident but could not provide many details on the investigation. 

The model of the lawnmower that combusted was a ExMark Radius E-Series owned by ProQual Landscaping, according to the company’s Operations Manager Jeremy Bader. 

Exmark did not immediately respond to comment.