Portage Fire Department dispels myths about cold-related vehicle fires

A vehicle fire occurred late afternoon on Monday, January 20, in a parking lot at the west end of Portage la Prairie.

House fires have been occurring around the region due to furnaces overheating and similar causes. The car fire might make some wonder if something similar happens with vehicles that cause them to combust due to overheating. 

However, lest anyone think that extreme cold weather can make vehicles susceptible to fires, Firefighter Seth Scarrett of the Portage Fire Department noted that's not the case. He adds such fires occur randomly for reasons that have nothing to do with recent frigid conditions.