Lawnmower sparks two-acre grass fire in Oro-Medonte

Fire crews respond to a grass fire on Line 15 north in Oro-Medonte, Ont. on Thurs., Aug. 14, 2025.

A lawn mowing job turned into a fast-moving grass fire in Oro-Medonte, burning about two acres before firefighters managed to bring it under control.

According to Oro-Medonte Fire Chief Roree Payment, the blaze started on Line 15 north when a lawnmower struck a rock, creating a spark that ignited the dry, brittle grass.

Firefighters from several stations responded, using leaf blowers and a brush truck to stop the flames from spreading further. Crews also worked in sweltering heat, with tanker 1 covering Station 2 to ensure other calls could still be handled.

Chief Payment called efforts to bring the situation under control “a well-coordinated attack.”

While grass fires aren’t unusual, Payment noted the risk is currently higher than normal given the prolonged dry conditions and lack of rain in the area.

“Normal activities in less dry conditions can often be done without much thought,” the fire chief said. “But in these dryer conditions, more care should be taken.”

He further praised crews for their “great hustle” in containing the fire quickly. No injuries were reported and no structures damaged.

A fire ban is currently in effect in Oro-Medonte, prohibiting any open air burning and fireworks.