WESTWOOD, N.J.—Bystander video shows a vehicle parked atop a leaf pile in the area of Center Avenue and Irvington Street go up in flames Nov. 23.
The blaze, which occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m., was extinguished by Westwood firefighters, Police Chief Michael Pontillo said.
No injuries were reported. The car, a 2013 Volkswagen, was a total loss, police said.
In the video, taken nearly a block away, people are heard commenting, “That’s why you don’t park on leaves,” “This is someone’s car and they have no idea,” and “I can feel the heat.”
Police posted the next day, “This time of year we give our Westwood DPW glowing reviews of their leaf collection efforts. The leaves fall fast and the DPW is always out collecting them during the week. Last night, we had the wrong kind of glow.”
WWPD shared “a big thank you to the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department for their quick response and minimizing any damage to the surrounding area.”
Police cautioned that dry leaf piles can catch fire easily due to the intense heat from a vehicle’s catalytic converter.
“For our residents, when placing your leaves into the roadway for collection, please leave room by the curb to allow rainwater to pass by to reduce localized flooding,” the department posted.
The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department posted how it knocked the fire down:
“Engine 1 quickly stretched the pre-connected 2-inch line off the back and put the fire out. Engine 1–2 laid in from the hydrant down the street and assisted with overhaul.”
It added, “Although the water supply was not needed, the quick thinking of the second due engine, by tagging the hydrant, was the smart thing to do in case the fire got out of control.”
The department said, “Rescue 1 was also on scene for lighting, along with extra manpower for overhaul. Good job by all crews.”
The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department shared the bystander video on its Facebook page.
