Glendale Fire Department Extinguished Flaming Car in Front of GCC

Jonathan Caballeros, El Vaquero Staff Writer • March 6, 2013

A black Mercedes Benz caught fire at the student unloading area, on Verdugo Road, causing firefighters to rush in and control the blaze, a little before noon on Tuesday.

“All I saw was the car pull up and it was smoking,” said Fabio Palmieri, 19, business major, “after the car stopped the front was on fire.”

The driver, Emily Sanford, 25, pulled over onto the area due to the front of her car building up smoke.

“The inside of my car actually started smoking,” said Sanford. “Once I stopped, the flames just started.”

Story continues below advertisement

Sanford’s husband, Levi, 25, was also in the car.

“The fire just started,” said Levi. “It was really random and crazy.”

Glendale Fire quickly came on scene and controlled the fire.

Station 24 Fire Captain, Mark Thomas said that the fire started in the engine compartment of the car, but aren’t completely certain what started the flames.

“Unfortunately, the car is a total loss,” said Thomas.

No injuries were reported on scene.

About the Contributor

Jonathan Caballeros, Staff Reporter

My interest for journalism started in sixth grade. I had journalism for my elective in middle school, but in my middle school, electives were only eight weeks long. After my first encounter, I finally had a chance to have journalism again, but this time, for the 32 week year in 8th grade. It was also the first time I actually saw my name in a newspaper, which even today still knocks my socks off. After my 8th grade experience, I didn’t manage to have a journalism class until college. This is now my 2nd semester in El Vaquero, and I love the business-like experience. It makes me feel like I am getting a leg up on something I want to do for years to come.