Vehicle fire

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

There are more than 19 vehicle fires every hour in the United States. While less frequent than other types of fires, they are more likely to result in fatalities.

According to McMinnville Fire Department Engineer Dylan Blair, the driver of a vehicle that caught on fire today managed to escape without injury.

“No injuries were reported,” said Blair. “The occupant was outside the vehicle on our arrival.”

The incident occurred on Manchester Highway by Dollar General and up from Warren County High School at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Upon the fire department’s arrival, the vehicle, a 2000 Ford F150, was fully engulfed in flames and bellows of black smoke could be seen from miles away. A loud pop was heard as the firefighters began to spray water on the vehicle. The department says that’s magnesium, which is common in vehicles but reacts adversely with water when burning.

“We used an inch and three-quarter hand line was used to suppress the fire. Approximately 750 gallons of water was used,” Blair stated.

The cause of the fire is undetermined.