09/05/2026
VEHICLE FIRE SAFETY REMINDER
This morning at approximately 4:56 AM, the Kingsford-Union Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Ivanhoe Road for a reported vehicle fire.
Engine 941 responded with two personnel. Upon arrival, crews found the rear portion of the vehicle fully involved in fire. Our members quickly went to work, achieving knockdown within approximately six minutes of arrival.
During the incident, the vehicle owner advised that a container of fuel was being stored in the rear of the vehicle in case they ran out of gas.
At this time, we believe the fire was accidental.
We want to use this incident as an important safety reminder.
With the hot temperatures we've been experiencing, flammable liquids should not be routinely stored inside a vehicle. Gasoline produces highly flammable vapors, and a vehicle can become extremely hot when sitting in the sun.
A few things to remember:
- Avoid storing gasoline or other flammable liquids inside your vehicle.
- When transporting fuel, use an approved, properly sealed container and remove it from the vehicle as soon as possible.
- Never leave fuel containers sitting inside a hot vehicle.
- Be cautious with propane cylinders, lighter fluid, aerosol cans, and other combustible products as well.
- If you smell gasoline or notice smoke while driving, pull over safely, shut the vehicle off, get everyone out, move away, and call 911.
Do not return to a burning vehicle for belongings. Vehicles and possessions can be replaced, lives cannot.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and our members were able to bring the fire under control quickly.
Please take a few minutes to check what you're carrying in your vehicle. Something kept in the trunk "just in case" can create an unnecessary hazard.
A special thanks to the following agencies who assisted in the incident earlier this morning:
Kingsford Union Fire Department
Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department
La Porte County Sheriff's Office
