Smokey Fire At Ashley Ford Dealership

Heavy smoke was seen as far away as the South End of New Bedford Tuesday morning after a sign at the Ashley Ford car dealership on Mt. Pleasant St. caught fire around 10 a.m.

Fire Chief Michael Gomes says a fire crew was near the business when the fire broke out and they were able to respond quickly. "Engine Company Seven was returning to quarters from a previous call and came upon a column of smoke in the distance," said Gomes.

The Chief added, " on arrival, they found the Ashley Ford sign fully engulfed in flames from the base to the top, which is approximately 35 feet in height."

Gomes says it took firefighters about ten minutes to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported and Gomes says crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to any other nearby structures.

The incident remains under investigation.