South Bend, IN – Residents along Vassar Avenue saw emergency crews rush in Monday evening after a vehicle caught fire on the city’s south side, sending flames and thick smoke into the air.
According to the South Bend Fire Department, crews were dispatched just after 8:30 p.m. Monday to the 1200 block of Vassar Avenue for a reported vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a car fully involved in flames.
Officials said crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles or homes in the area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
Photos released by the department show firefighters working close to the burning car as flames rose from the engine compartment and heavy smoke filled the street. Fire hoses were deployed as crews worked to cool the vehicle and secure the scene.
The incident occurred in a residential area of South Bend, located in St. Joseph County, part of the greater South Bend–Mishawaka metro area. Neighbors in the area may have experienced temporary traffic slowdowns as emergency vehicles blocked part of the roadway during the response.
Fire officials did not immediately release information on what may have caused the fire. It remains unclear whether the vehicle sustained a mechanical failure or if other factors were involved.
Drivers are reminded to report any signs of smoke, burning smells, or flames immediately and to move a safe distance away from a vehicle fire, as conditions can escalate quickly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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