[Roadsters] 1970 Datsun Roadster - Fire

[Dan Zubkoff]

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_211221159.html
   
  July 29, 2008 10:11 pm  
  Fire burns Vinemont building, classic car
  The Cullman Times

  By Patrick McCreless

PATRICKM at CULLMANTIMES.COM

VINEMONT  Carlos Wilhite spent years keeping his 1970 Datsun 1600 Roadster in mint condition. A quick spark was all it took to wipe out his hard work.

I babied it and babied it, Wilhite said. Now its all burned up.

Charred, twisted metal was all that remained of the classic car after it caught fire Tuesday at an unused building on County Road 1343 across from the Vinemont Super Saver service station. The building also received significant damage.

Wilhite, who owns the building, said he was storing the vehicle there to keep dust off of it.

The building I can fix, but I cant bring the car back, Wilhite said.

While officials have not determined the cause of the blaze, to Wilhite the cause is obvious  his classic car.

I was cleaning the building and I was going to leave with the car but the car wouldnt crank, Wilhite said. I put the charger on it and left and wasnt gone for 20 minutes ... and it was burnt all to pieces.

Wilhite was at the scene while members of the Vinemont, Cullman, West Point, Goldridge, and Falkville Fire Departments fought the blaze. While flames were not visible, large clouds of gray smoke could easily be seen billowing from the buildings roof. Several firefighters helped Wilhite as he rescued an old piano from building.

According to a press release from the Vinemont Fire Department, firefighters arrived at the scene at approximately 10:23 a.m. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters could see heavy smoke and smoldering. 

Firefighters contained the blaze within an hour after their arrival. Nobody was injured during the incident.