Mechanical Failure Suspected in Vehicle Fire at South Ohio Residence

A vehicle fire caused damage to a garage at a residence in the 3600 block of South Ohio Street on July 24.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:40 a.m. after an 81-year-old woman reported her vehicle had caught fire inside her garage.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the woman had just arrived home and parked her 2017 Ford Fusion partially inside the garage before entering the residence. A short time later, she heard what sounded like an explosion and discovered the vehicle's engine compartment was on fire.

A deputy already in the area responded and used a fire extinguisher from a patrol vehicle, along with another extinguisher from the residence, to knock down the flames. The fire later rekindled after the extinguishers were depleted, and responding fire personnel completed extinguishment of the blaze.

The fire damaged the vehicle as well as portions of the garage, including the garage door frame, soffit, and siding. A mechanical failure is believed to have caused the fire.

No injuries were reported.