Smoke began to flow from under the hood to the dismay of diners nearby who were enjoying perfect weather for al fresco dining.
A Dodge Stratus had parked next to the Chihuahua Mexican Family Restaurant’s outside patio. Shortly after, smoke could be seen coming from the engine compartment under the hood. A diner from a nearby restaurant grabbed a fire extinguisher from his vehicle and tried to subdue the fire.
Soon after flames could be seen and the front end was fully involved by the time Whatcom Fire District 7 units arrived.
The vehicle appeared to be a total loss. The owner told Discover Ferndale he had just bought the car.
There was no damage to nearby structures. 3rd Avenue between Vista Drive and Main Street was closed while fire crews did their work. The road was reopened about 1:15pm. Officials pointed to equipment failure as the suspected cause.
