Two Car Fires Break Out In Separate Incidents At The Somerset Mall: Photos

TROY, MI — Two cars caught on fire within one day of each other in the same location at the Somerset North parking deck, according to a Troy Fire Department press release.

Vehicle fire number one occurred on Dec. 17 at 2:06 p.m. A parked, unoccupied car was reportedly burning and threatening nearby vehicles in Section 2H of the north parking deck.

The location of the car fire - on the second floor - posed a challenge since firefighters couldn't enter the level directly. Then when firefighters connected hoses to the parking deck’s standpipe system, they discovered it had several leaks, which meant firefighters were working with little to no water pressure. This made putting out the fire incredibly difficult and several thousand gallons of water leaked into the parking deck.

Firefighters powered through and extinguished the fire with minor damage to one other nearby vehicle, all while navigating around traffic and shoppers.

Vehicle fire number two broke out on Dec. 18 at 4:37 p.m. A woman was driving when she noticed smoke coming from the back of the car. This happened just 100 feet from where the other car had gone up in flames the day before. The driver stopped and safely exited the vehicle, however the fire threatened nearby vehicles.

Somerset Security officers and Troy Police used fire extinguishers to contain the blaze until firefighters arrived. Once on the scene, and armed with the knowledge that the parking garage's standpipe system was inoperative, firefighters raised the aerial ladder and stretched roughly 200 feet of hose to put out the fire.

Officials are investigating the cause of both vehicle fires.

Somerset Collection was informed to have the standpipe system inspected, repaired, and tested. The Troy Fire Prevention Division will verify the system is operational.

Photos courtesy of the Troy Fire Department