SOUTHAMPTON — A home was damaged Tuesday after a tractor parked in front burst into flames.
Southampton Fire Chief John Workman said the homeowner was using the tractor and noticed it getting hot. She parked it in front about 5 feet from the house, rather than its usual spot under the home, to let it cool off, Workman said.
About a half-hour later, the tractor ignited and scorched a portion of the home at 110 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Workman said. The Fire Department was called to the scene at 3:12 p.m., assisted by the Easthampton Fire Department. Firefighters were on scene for about an hour.
Workman said the fire caused about $10,000 in damages.
The cause of the fire is undetermined, but Workman said he suspects a mouse nest somewhere under the hood.
“It’s a warm spot … nice and cozy,” Workman said. “People need to be careful with mouse nests.”
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.