June 22--Eight cars were completely destroyed Saturday in Monrovia after an electrical problem inside a vehicle set fire to the surrounding carport, according to media reports.
The two-alarm fire was reported about 8:30 a.m. in the 800 block of West Duarte Road, Monrovia Fire Department Chief Chris Fabrizio told City News Service. It took 29 firefighters about 40 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
"Most of the cars were virtually melted to the ground," Fabrizio said.
In video shot at the scene, the roof of the carport appeared burned away, exposing charred support beams. One SUV was so badly burned that just a charred metal frame remained.
Resident Crystal Magallanes told ABC-TV Channel 7 that she had just woken up when she saw heavy smoke rising from the carport area. She went outside, hoping to move her silver Honda Odyssey minivan, which she bought just 11 days ago.
"There was an explosion, and glass started flying everywhere," Magallanes said. "I just decided to leave it."
The Monrovia Fire Department could not be reached for comment.
No injuries were reported, CNS said. The damage was estimated to be greater than $200,000, according to KTLA-TV Channel 5.
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