Coolant leak sparks car fire on Highway 97, father and son escape unharmed

(update: adding comment from Bend Fire)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A coolant leak sparked a fiery scene along Highway 97 in Bend Saturday afternoon, when a Land Rover burst into flames around 2:15 p.m.

"While it’s combustible, and not highly flammable, it can ignite, particularly if it sprays onto hot engine components," said Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering. "Coolant/antifreeze leaks can also lead to electrical shorts and overheating of the engine due to low coolant levels."

A KTVZ News reporter nearby captured exclusive video of the blaze moments before Bend Fire & Rescue crews and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported.

KTVZ News spoke with the father and son who were in the Land Rover. They said they were on their way back from the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch and heading to the son’s soccer game when they noticed the vehicle’s coolant level was low.

They pulled the car over in an area that didn't have any vegetation or brush. The father soon saw a small fire in the engine before moving quickly to get far away from the vehicle, which later blew up in flames, sending thick smoke into the air.

The experience left the two a bit shaken, but both walked away safely.