Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – A lawn mower may have started the fire that wiped out a rural Rochester home Thursday.

Shannon Pew told Olmsted County deputies he was mowing the yard around 1:30 when he had to stop because of mechanical issues.

Pew said he was inside his home at 5600 Meadow Dr. SE when he heard a loud banging noise. He said he went outside to check and found the riding mower burning and the flames had spread to the house. A neighbor also heard the banging noise.

Rochester fire crews were not able to save the home. There is no fire hydrant service in the area and water was brought in by Dover and Eyota tanker trucks.

The loss was estimated at $250,000.

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