Driver Escapes Vehicle Fire

Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire Wednesday that was apparently caused by a mechanical or electrical problem.

The driver was unharmed in the incident, officials said.

The fire began shortly after noon in the 600 block of Hampton Road. The driver of the 2009 Infiniti M35 reportedly pulled over because the vehicle was not running properly. The vehicle then ignited, said Lt. Roy Nakamura of the

Police shut down a portion of the street while firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The vehicle, valued at an estimated $21,000, was a total loss, officials said. The driver also reported the loss of about $300 worth of property inside the vehicle, Fire Department spokesperson Beth Stogner said.