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Motorist with Car Fire Seeks Help at Gatlinburg Gas Station

Motorist with Engine Fire Seeks Help at Gatlinburg Gas Station

Quick action by gas station employees and a fast response by the local fire department prevented what could have been an explosive situation with a car engine fire in Gatlinburg on Monday afternoon.

According to employees at the Fastop Market, 1339 East Parkway in Gatlinburg, an incident occurred on Monday, June 6, 2016 when a woman parked her red Dodge Stratus at the gas pumps and ran into the store asking for a fire extinguisher because the engine of her car was on fire. Employees acted quickly to shut off the pumps and called 911.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department received the call at 1:54 p.m. and along with the Gatlinburg Police Department arrived on scene at the gas station within a few minutes. The Fastop Market is located just half a mile from the departments. Emergency personnel used vehicles to block access to the gas station parking lot while they quickly extinguished a fire that was contained to the motor compartment of the car.

Car engine fire at Gatlinburg gas station.

The cause of the engine fire is unknown. In 2006, Chrysler recalled 1999-2000 Dodge Stratus passenger vehicles with 2.4-liter engines after an investigation of reported engine fires found the high-pressure power steering hose could prematurely heat age and develop a leak of power steering fluid that, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in an underhood fire.

A portable fire extinguisher was located at the gas pump.

There were no injuries reported and no damage to the gas station.

About Candice Fitzgibbons

I am a Sevier County resident and active in my local community. I've spent more than 20 years as a graphic designer and copywriter, creating marketing materials to help small to medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations achieve their goals. I have a passion for equality, the environment and animal rights.