Fire destroys Jeep in Warrenville

No one was injured when a 2012 Jeep started on fire and was destroyed by flames around noon Friday as it was parked near a Target store in Warrenville, authorities said.

The driver left the Jeep because it was having mechanical problems and stepped away from the vehicle before it burst into flames, fire Lt. Al Thompson said.

No one else was in the vehicle.

Warrenville firefighters and police officers responded at 12:09 p.m. to Diehl Road and Davis Parkway. Thompson said firefighters brought the flames under control within about five minutes.

Car fires often look dramatic but usually are extinguished quickly, Thompson said. Nevertheless, air bags, compressed air cylinders and smoke that often contains cyanide add to the dangers when vehicles go up in flames.

"It's important to stay out of the smoke and away from the vehicle," he said.

The driver told emergency responders he had modified the Jeep and estimated its value at $50,000. The vehicle was totaled in the fire, Thompson said.