At approximately 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, January 1 the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to the report of a vehicle on fire inside a multi-unit garage associated within an apartment complex, located at 1801 36th Ave S.
When fire crews arrived on the scene, they discovered fire coming from the passenger compartment of a car located inside one of the garage stalls. The multi-unit garage complex was located approximately 50 feet from the associated apartment building. Fire crews were able to extinguish the vehicle within 10 minutes after arriving on the scene. There were no injuries to the residents or fire department personnel.
The Grand Forks Fire Department responded with 20 personnel on five fire engines, one ladder truck, and one command vehicle. The fire caused significate damage to the vehicle and minor damage to the building. Damage to the vehicle and building is estimated between $20,000 and $25,000. After fire personnel investigated the fire, the fire was determined to be accidental and caused by an auxiliary heater igniting nearby combustible material.
The Grand Forks Police Department and Altru Ambulance were on scene assisting.
The Grand Forks Fire Department would like to remind the public to use extreme caution when using auxiliary heating devices. More information on space heater safety can be found at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/portable_heater_fire_safety_flyer.pdf
