Car fire shuts down St. Charles for a short time

Jasper – A fluid leak is to blame for a fire that destroyed a car and closed St. Charles Street Friday morning in Jasper.

According to Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, a teenage driver was northbound on St. Charles at about 7:30 a.m. in a 2008 Buick Enclave when she noticed smoke and flames coming from the hood. She pulled over and attempted to put the vehicle in park before escaping; however, after she exited the Enclave, it rolled backward and across both lanes of traffic before ending up in the yard of a home in the 2300 block of St. Charles.

The response included three fire engines and 29 volunteer firefighters, and the road was closed for about 45 minutes while the scene was cleared.

There were no injuries, but the Enclave was considered a total loss. Damages to the yard were limited to a burnt patch of grass.

A tow truck from Ruxer Ford assisted at the scene.