ROCKLAND — A possible electrical problem was the cause of a car fire in the parking lot of Boston Financial at 12 Water Street around 9 a.m. on July 11.

According to Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock, Car 1 first arrived on the scene and discovered smoke and flames visible from the engine compartment. Squad 3 then arrived and stretched a 1 ¾ handline and the crew extinguished the fire using about 150 gallons of water. 

The fire was contained to the engine compartment with no extension to the rest of the vehicle.

Whytock said that when firefighters arrived on the scene, two “Good Samaritans” were trying to keep the fire from extending by using a small garden hose. Firefighters requested that they stop what they were doing and step back due to the dangers that car fires pose upon first responders. 

“Car shocks and struts are often pressurized to perform their needed functions, but when under high heat conditions, can rupture and cause bodily harm to anyone near the vehicle,” said Whytock. He added that fuel in the vehicle can also cause serious injury if not properly protected, so he urged the pubic to please use extreme caution around vehicle fires. 

A total of six responders from Rockland Fire & EMS responded to the scene.

The owner of the vehicle has not been identified, said Whytock.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com