Fire damages auto shop, vehicles in Norwalk

NORWALK — A fire Wednesday caused about $500,000 worth of damage to a Norwalk auto repair shop and several cars parked inside, authorities said.
The blaze was reported about 2 p.m. at American Automotive Services Center, 14359 Pioneer Blvd., Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Michael Pittman said.
Though the building and about five cars inside were damaged, no injuries were reported, Capt. Sterling Callahan said.
The fire erupted suddenly as mechanics were working on a motorcycle carburetor while simultaneously charging its battery, the captain said.
The battery charger ignited the fumes of the gas they were draining from the carburetor,” he said.
The fire quickly spread from the motorcycle to a trash can, and then to the building itself.
“The owner said he was amazed at how quickly it accelerated and burned through the building,” Callahan said.
Employees used up two fire extinguishers trying to put out the fire with no success before firefighters arrived, he added.
Firefighters extinguished the fire in about 40 minutes, Callahan said.
A firefighter was struck by a falling power line while battling the blaze, he said, but he was not injured.
One car in the auto shop appeared repairable, Callahan added. “There were four that were just completely gone.”
The fire caused an estimated $300,000 worth of damage to the building, he said, and about $200,000 worth of damage to its contents.

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