Heavy wind helps spread car lot fire

A fire that started at a used car lot in Forsyth County caused problems when flames jumped across roadways and spread into the woods.

It was Sunday afternoon when investigators said firefighters discovered the flames at US Auto Sales.

Jeff Carroll said he could see the smoke coming from the used car lot a quarter mile away.

"It was a huge smoke cloud especially with the wind blowing," Caroll said.

Forsyth County fire investigators said it was that strong, steady wind that fanned the flames and created a much bigger danger for the area surrounding the lot located on Atlanta Highway in Cumming.

"We had exposures to other buildings with the wind," Lt. Debbie Lindstrom said. "We wanted to make sure we protect those exposures. We had some woods and grass fires so, they did have quite a bit of a challenge with the high winds today."

On the lot, the fire melted away paint, broke out windows leaving burned out shells of cars.

The sales office was reduced to a smoking, smoldering mess.

Fire investigators said 23 cars were damaged.

An employee told Channel 2 Action News Reporter Carl Willis that at least 10 of the cars were destroyed.

Fire officials said a Forsyth County battalion chief and a fire engine just happened to be passing by and spotted the flames and smoke.

Investigators said that was fortunate because their quick action helped stop the fire from spreading out of control.

Now, they turn their attention to finding out what caused all of the destruction.

"All I know right now is that it appeared to start inside the building and it will be, due to the damage, sometime before we know the cause," Lindstrom said.