Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department

*********For Immediate Release*********

February 14th, 2026

Car Fire Due to Unattended Brush Fire

French Lick, IN – The Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department and IU Health Lifeline Unit 504 were dispatched at a quarter till 2 in the afternoon for a reported car fire near the 4500
block of County Road 1025 West in French Lick. Crews arrived to find a fully involved Volkswagen Jetta with a brush fire that was threatening a garage. Crews quickly protected the
exposures, then began extinguishing the burning car.

The incident was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. Estimated property damage totaled approximately $1,500. Approximately 1500 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire. There were 3 fire apparatus and 6 firefighters on the scene. No injuries were reported. All units were clear of the scene just after 3pm.

After speaking with the property owner, this fire was determined to have originated from an unattended brush pile fire that had spread to the vehicle. We would like to remind citizens to always be vigilant when burning brush, and to never leave a fire unattended.

Departments On-Scene Include:
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
IU Health Lifeline

Logan Best,
Chief
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
P: 812-216-4355