Inferno that burned over 50 cars may have been started by fireworks

ALBUQUERQUE — Dozens of vehicles caught on fire in an Albuquerque parking lot last week after it appears fireworks were shot at them.

Security camera video appears to show someone lighting fireworks from beneath a car, and that may be what ignited the huge fire.

The Albuquerque Fire Department says 58 vehicles suffered severe damage, although the property manager of the apartment complex where the fire took place says it was more than 80.

Property manager Marya Thomas said the damage was horrific.  "It looked like a war disaster zone... And some of my PTSD residents are having a problem because it sounded like bombs going off... It was just really scary. We had 40-foot flames and cars exploding 10-feet off the ground... Burned down to the frames. That was it. No tires... nothing. Just the metal frame."

The fire steadily grew until it engulfed the roof of a carport and spread to dozens of cars.

Fire crews brought it under control in less than an hour, but not before the damage was done.

The property manager says residents who still have cars have been helping others by offering rides.

Cox Media Group