Flagler County, FL – Road flares stored in the trunk of a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office squad car may be the reason it got destroyed in a fire.
That’s the word from FCSO as investigators look into the incident, which happened around noon Thursday on County Road 35 near State Road 100. That’s a dirt road west of Bunnell in western Flagler.
FCSO spokesman Jim Troiano says a deputy was on routine patrol in the area when he heard a “pop” coming from the trunk of the Chevrolet squad car.
“He immediately noted a cabin pressure change and noticed smoke from the trunk of the car,” Troiano added. “He was able to get safely out of the car.”
The deputy also managed to get several high-dollar items out of the squad car before it was completely engulfed in flames. Among those were his FCSO-issued laptop computer and rifle, according to Troiano.
“[It is] uncertain at this time what actually happened, but indications may be that the road flares stored in the trunk caught fire,” Troiano noted.
No serious injuries were reported. The deputy was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons after inhaling smoke, but he’s since been released.
The vehicle – valued at around $30,000 – is a total loss.
Photo above of the actual vehicle is courtesy of FCSO.
Copyright 2016 Southern Stone Communications.