Minivan Catches Fire on First Street

A minivan caught fire in front of a First Street home Wednesday afternoon at around 2:30 p.m., according to Chief Charles Cavarra.

"Within 30 seconds, the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the location," Chief Cavarra said.

Upon arrival, units confirmed a fully involved minivan fire which originated in the engine compartment and quickly engulfed the rest of the vehicle.

According to the fire report, the occupant, a technician from a local dealership, stated he was taking the car for a test drive after being repaired from last week's storm due to flood damage when he heard a "loud explosion coming from under the hood."

The occupant stated he turned the car around and realized the car was on fire. The minivan leaked a mixture of gas and oil approximately 300 feet before coming to rest where it burned, according to Lt. Pete Clancy.

The fire was extinguished with 500 gallons of water. "Units were released from the scene in 20 minutes," Chief Cavarra said.

Ten bags of speed-dri along with two Department of Public Works employees and a small pick-up helped in mitigating the spill. "The car was towed but a pay loader was needed to remove debris from the roadway (1 hour usage)," Lt. Clancy said.

The vehicle, a 2012 Nissan Quest, was a total loss. The exact cause is unknown, Chief Cavarra said.

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