Oregon Lawnmower Wildfire Caused By Person Mowing Grass Despite Fire Danger Prohibition

Fire officials are pointing to a lawn mower as the cause of the Stouts Creek Fire in Oregon. Investigators said the fire started July 30 when someone mowed grass after officials prohibited it because of fire danger, KOIN 6 News reports.

"Fire officials say that the responsible party was allegedly in violation of a Regulated Use Closure because they were mowing after the shutdown time when the fire occurred," fire prevention specialist Kyle Reed told KGW Portland.

Officials said the individual "may be liable for fire suppression costs and damages resulting from the fire," for violating the lawn mower prohibition, KGW Portland reports.

Fire suppression costs and damages are estimated at $22 million, with more than 1,500 firefighters using 46 engines, 21 bulldozers, 30 water tenders and 10 helicopters to contain the fire, NBC News reports.

The Stouts Creek Fire, which began on the outskirts of Umpqua National Forest, has consumed 23,841 acres. As of Thursday, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said it continues to threaten 158 homes and is only 63 percent contained.

"Despite the success we've had, this is still a big fire with a lot of life and potential in it," deputy incident commander Russ Lane said, NBC News reports.

It is expected to be fully contained by Aug. 22. Meanwhile, smoke from the fire is affecting the surrounding areas.