Dracut Fire Department Extinguishes Car Fire Outside a Local Business

DRACUT — The Dracut Fire Department extinguished a car fire in the parking lot of a local business on Wednesday after it appears nesting material caught fire in the engine compartment. 

Dracut Firefighters were called to a business in the 2000 block of Lakeview Avenue for a report of a fire near the building at approximately 10 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find a fully engulfed vehicle in the parking lot about 20 feet from the building. They quickly stretched a hose line and extinguished the fire, but not before the vehicle was a total loss. 

An on-scene investigation determined the cause was most likely nesting material from an animal in the engine compartment that combusted. 

Community members are encouraged to check their engine compartments this time of year as temperatures drop, as some animals may attempt to nest in engines.

“I want to thank the passerby who reported this fire so that we could respond before the situation became more dangerous,” said Chief Michael Cunha. “Community members should be aware that nesting material in engines can create a dangerous situation. Please check under your hood a couple of times per season.”