19 June, 1991 (~estimated)

Forgotten Wrench Cause Of Car Engine Blaze

The engine compartment of a car was extensively damaged by fire Friday afternoon on Griggs Driver off Cherry Valley Road. Not unusual — but the cause of the fire was.

The driver told police that her car had recently been involved in a slight accident and it needed a new fan. A friend installed the fan but left a wrench on the engine’s cylinder head.

According to Lt. Mario Musso, the wrench fell on the battery terminals, causing a spark which ignited the fire. It was put out by Ptl. Robert Buchanan with an extinguisher from his patrol car.

The owner is a resident of Arizona.