A thick plume of black smoke caught the eyes of just about everyone downtown Grand Junction on Wednesday afternoon. Multiple cars caught fire near South Avenue and South 6th Street, sending a sooty haze drifting over streets, businesses, and startled onlookers.

No major injuries have been reported so far, but the charred shells of vehicles left behind a scorched reminder of just how fast a quiet afternoon can turn chaotic. Fire crews managed to keep flames from spreading further, but questions about what sparked the blaze remain unanswered.

Firefighters Act Fast, But Smoke Lingering

The Grand Junction Fire Department didn’t waste a second. Witnesses say sirens echoed off brick storefronts as trucks pulled up to South Avenue, lights flashing, water hoses unfurling onto burning metal and rubber.

It took firefighters time and grit to beat the flames back. Cars were already engulfed when they arrived.

One local shop owner stepped outside and just shook his head. “It looked like something out of a movie,” he said.

By dusk, they’d contained it, but smoke still drifted above downtown, curling through alleyways and back lots.

Explosive Hazards Close By

There’s something that makes this incident extra nerve-racking: oxygen bottles and propane tanks were stored in buildings close to where the cars burned.

That’s what forced firefighters to spray foam over nearby structures. One stray spark could have set off something far worse.

• Stored propane can explode if tanks get too hot
• Oxygen bottles add to fire intensity if ruptured
• Fire crews used foam because it blankets flammable vapors

Local authorities say they were prepared for the worst. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that.

One Person Checked for Injuries

In the middle of the chaos, one person needed medical attention. Firefighters didn’t say much, just that they looked them over on scene.

No other reports of injuries have come out yet. That’s lucky, really — cars on fire can pop tires and send shrapnel flying. One paramedic said, “We got to them quick enough.”

It’s not clear if the person was inside one of the cars or nearby.

Downtown Streets Draw Crowds and Confusion

Folks love to gather when something dramatic happens. Wednesday was no different.

Some people stood at a distance, phones held high, filming the towering smoke. Others complained about the acrid smell creeping into shops and apartments.

A few drivers trying to get through South Avenue were turned away by police tape. One mom trying to pick up her kid from summer camp said she had to circle the block three times.

Even hours later, bits of soot dotted car hoods all the way to Main Street.

Investigation Just Beginning

The million-dollar question: how did this start? Fire marshals were still poking through the smoldering wreckage Thursday morning.

An electrical short? Something left running too long? A tossed cigarette?

No answers yet. But the area has had car fires before — last summer a van went up in flames two blocks over. That one turned out to be arson.

Firefighters say there’s no evidence of foul play so far, but they’re not ruling anything out. Until they find a clear cause, folks downtown are left swapping theories over coffee.

A Look Back at Similar Fires

This isn’t the first time Grand Junction’s had flames licking at its edges. If anything, the city’s location and mix of older buildings with newer cars make it vulnerable to fires that spread fast.

Here’s a snapshot of past incidents:

Each time, investigators pieced together what happened, but it didn’t always stop folks from worrying. There’s just something unsettling about seeing smoke rise over your neighborhood.

Local Businesses Feeling Uneasy

Shops near South Avenue lost a chunk of foot traffic as police blocked off roads. One boutique owner said they had to shut their doors for a few hours.

A cafe owner two blocks away gave out free iced tea to firefighters catching a breather. “They did a hell of a job,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow.

Some businesses are talking about putting up extra security cameras in their parking lots. Can’t blame them — fires like this shake people up.

What Happens Next?

For now, the cleanup begins. Crews cleared debris through the night, while insurance adjusters have already been seen snapping photos of the scorched metal husks.

It’s a waiting game for answers. Police will likely release a statement once they’ve dug through witness reports and security footage.

Until then, folks in downtown Grand Junction will glance at the sky, half-expecting another column of smoke. With propane and oxygen tanks stored nearby, a little extra caution feels more than fair.