Harrison Thorp 5:56 a.m.
Saturday, July 6, 2019 5:55 am

LEBANON, Maine - A small brush fire that broke out in Lebanon on the Fourth of July was caused by a catalytic converter that likely became dislodged from an off-road vehicle, the Maine Forest Ranger investigating the blaze said on Friday.

The charred area was only about two tenths of an acre under the power lines just south of Baker's Grant Road, said Forest Ranger Matthew Bennett.

Bennett said while investigating on Thursday he found the catalytic converter on an ATV trail. The converters, made of metal and ceramic material, are used to reduce vehicle emissions from car exhaust.

Bennett said brush fires caused by faulty catalytic converters that become dislodged are not uncommon.

He said it's more than likely that the operator of the ATV would've noticed a decrease in power and misfiring, and urged vigilance among operators in checking an area if they notice such.

Bennett said often a car on a paved road will lose its catalytic converter, which will roll to a grassy shoulder or median causing a fire.

Lebanon Fire and EMS Chief Steve Merrill said on Friday the fire was called in around 11:25 a.m. and fire crews cleared the scene around 2 p.m.