ALTON - A driver escaped a fully engulfed car fire around 8 a.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Oakwood Avenue in Alton.

The Alton Fire Department arrived quickly to extinguish the out-of-control blaze. The driver was reported outside of the car and appeared to be OK after the firefighters arrived at the scene.

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Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Knipp said the driver smelled smoke and pulled into a parking lot and called 9-1-1 about the car. The Battalion Chief said there was a tire that exploded that caused the fire to expand and also an airbag went off in the car.

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"It was fully involved when we got there," Knipp said. "I am glad he was able to get out, and he smelled the smoke while driving to call."

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