An investigation has determined that the fire that scorched four cars in the parking lot of Charlottesville’s Jackson-Via Elementary School last week was accidental in nature.
“An important safety message,” the Charlottesville Fire Department said in a statement announcing the investigation’s conclusion Tuesday, “Don’t park on piles of dry leave.”
It was radiant heat from the exhaust of one of the four cars in the school’s parking lot that ignited a pile of leaves underneath the vehicle the morning of Nov. 25, according to investigators.
“The heat from your car’s engine, especially the catalytic converter, can easily ignite a pile of dry leaves, potentially causing a fire,” the city said in a statement.
The Charlottesville Fire Department was dispatched to reports of smoke and flames in the school parking lot off Harris Road around 7:38 a.m. on Nov. 25.
“Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and worked diligently to control a fuel leak from the involved vehicles,” the city said. “The Hazardous Materials Team effectively prevented the fuel from spreading to storm drains, minimizing potential environmental impact. City Storm Water and Environmental staff coordinated efforts to clean up the site in collaboration with a private contractor, ensuring that the area was safely restored and free from hazardous materials.”
Based on burn patterns, heat damage and debris analysis, as well as the statements of both firefighters and witnesses, investigators determined the fire originated underneath a 2000 Lexus 300.
“During the examination, it was noted that dry leaves had accumulated in the parking lot area where the vehicle was parked,” the city said. “Evidence suggests that radiant heat from the exhaust system of the Lexus 300 came into contact with these leaves, resulting in ignition. Further analysis of the data collected during the investigation, coupled with consideration of all circumstances, supports the conclusion that the fire was accidental in nature.”
Three of the damaged vehicles were later identified as belonging to Jackson-Via teachers.
In the aftermath, the community rallied around the educators, collecting $9,216 in an online fundraiser to be evenly distributed between the three.
“Teachers already don’t make a lot,” said Carol Taylor, the grandmother of a second grader at Jackson-Via who organized the fundraiser. “Every bit will go to helping these educators know that we value all they do to make our community a better place.”
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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