Luggage Fire Ignites Ariz. Wildfire

June 25, 2010
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. -- A man whose luggage caught fire on the roof of his car while he was driving is responsible for starting a 40-acre fire Thursday, police said. The driver was traveling in his car with luggage on the roof when he saw a piece of the luggage catch fire, according to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. He exited his vehicle to put out the fire, police said, but his shirt caught fire. When he removed his shirt and tossed it, police said he started the blaze.

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. --

A man whose luggage caught fire on the roof of his car while he was driving is responsible for starting a 40-acre fire Thursday, police said.

The driver was traveling in his car with luggage on the roof when he saw a piece of the luggage catch fire, according to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. He exited his vehicle to put out the fire, police said, but his shirt caught fire. When he removed his shirt and tossed it, police said he started the blaze.

The fire started near Highway 87 and Shea Boulevard in the Tonto National Forest at about 2:20 p.m., spreading to 40 acres and closing down the highway.

Air tankers, hot shot crews and helicopters were called to the scene.

No structures were threatened by the fire.

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