Stolen car set on fire

By Phil Anderson
June 17, 2009 - Topeka Capital Journal



A stolen car was set on fire Wednesday morning in a wooded area in South Topeka, sending a pillar of dark, black smoke into the air for several minutes, authorities said.

Firefighters were called at 9:11 a.m. to a narrow, one-lane gravel path located just east of S. Kansas Avenue and south of S.E. 25th Street.

Upon their arrival, firefighters found a car fully involved in flames.

The car was parked about a block south of S.E. 25th on the path, which officials said was a dead end.

Firefighters had the blaze under control in a matter of minutes. It was declared out at 9:26 a.m.

The car was found on a narrow, elevated path above a small stream immediately to the east and an area overgrown with trees and brush to the west.

A mobile home park is located just east of the stream, near S.E. 25th and Lakewood.

A fire engine was driven south down the path and was parked several feet north of the burning car.

Fire officials said about 300 gallons of water were used to extinguish the blaze.

Officials said the wheels had been taken off the car prior to it being set on fire.

A Topeka fire investigator and police officers also were on the scene. No injuries were reported.