Car Destroyed By Fire After Driver Parks On Leaves: Westwood PD

WESTWOOD, NJ – A vehicle parked on top of a large leaf pile in Westwood was destroyed after catching fire, according to police.

The blaze occurred Saturday around 7:20 p.m. in the area of Center and Irvington streets, and was quickly doused by Westwood firefighters, Police Chief Michael Pontillo said.

No injuries were reported but the car, a 2013 Volkswagen, is “a total loss,” police said.

With leaf collection efforts underway by the department of public works, there still may be piles of leaves awaiting pick-up, so police are urging residents to be mindful of where they park.

“A dry leaf pile can catch fire very easily due to the intense heat from a vehicle’s catalytic converter,” police said.

The department is also asking residents to leave a buffer between the curb and leaf piles in the street to allow for rain water to pass by in order to help reduce localized flooding.