Cause determined for $100K fire at Boardman carport

BOARDMAN — A fire that caused about $100,000 to a carport and several vehicles started in the engine compartment of a 1993 Lincoln Town Car, the township fire investigation unit has determined.

The fire was reported about 6 p.m. June 8 at an apartment complex at 7958 Market St.

Witnesses reported seeing fire coming from the front wheel well of the Lincoln and quickly spreading to the carport and other vehicles parked beneath it.

Besides the carport and the Lincoln, flames destroyed four other vehicles. Radiant heat cause vinyl miniblinds to melt and two windows to crack in the apartment building to the west of the carport.

The car is one of the models covered under the Ford Motor Co.’s recall of faulty cruise control switches, according to insurance investigators.