Massive Fire in Orange County Destroys Auto Repair Shop

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 8, 2020

A small Orange County business went up in flames early this month, resulting in an investigation by the Orange County Fire Rescue as well as other organizations within the area. According to the preliminary reports, primarily filed by the OCFR, the incident was first brought to the attention of the emergency response crews sometime around 5:00 in the morning. At that time, calls reached the emergency dispatchers for Orange County stating that smoke and flames were clearly visible coming from the Cars and More European Car Service Center, a local business that stands along a stretch of Colonial Drive lying near to Dean Road.

Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles rushed to the scene in the hopes that they could arrive quickly enough to prevent serious injury as well as the spread of the flames. When they arrived, they saw that the building was indeed in the process of being fully engulfed by a vigorous fire. While numerous firefighters were standing near to the structure, assessing the extent of the damage, portions of both the roof and the walls began to crumble. The firefighters leapt to safety, but the call was close and indicated that the building was indeed in dire shape.

While close to 45 firefighters battled the flames using high-velocity jets of water, a large portion of East Colonial Drive was blocked off, forcing drivers hoping to pass through the area to instead navigate lengthy detours. When the flames were finally extinguished, an investigation into the incident began.

The preliminary results of this investigation suggest that the fire indeed started within the auto repair shop. Statements from the Orange County Fire Rescue indicated that this added to the intensity of the flame as the large amount of fuel and chemicals only added to the fire’s ferocity. It is not clear how the sudden combustion of these chemicals affects the quality of the air in the surrounding area or whether or not it is possible that lingering health effects will result for those who inhaled the smoke from the blaze.

An investigation into the actual cause of the fire remains ongoing.

Sources:

• Fire ravages Orange County auto shop

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.