The Charlottesville Fire Department is warning the public to avoid parking your vehicle on top of piles of leaves after investigating an incident at the Jackson-Via Elementary School. Crews responded to a call at 7:30 a.m. on November 25, 2024 and worked to contain a blaze that spread to four vehicles and patches of grass.
“Based on physical evidence collected at the scene, combined with firefighter and witness statements, the fire was determined to have originated underneath a 2000 Lexus 300,” reads an information release sent out this afternoon. “This conclusion is supported by burn patterns, heat damage to the underside of the vehicle, and debris analysis.”
According to the report, radiant heat from the vehicle came into contact with a pile of leaves which caught them on fire. The incident is being ruled as accidental.
“The heat from your car’s engine, especially the catalytic converter, can easily ignite a pile of dry leaves, potentially causing a fire,” the release continues. “Always clear away excessive leaf debris before parking.”
While on scene, the CFD’s Hazardous Materials Team prevented any of the fuel from getting into area storm drains.
Photo caption and credit: Some of the damage from the November 25, 2024 incident (Credit: Charlottesville Fire Department)
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