ST. MARY PARISH, La. (KLFY) — The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is providing an update following an accidental fire that involved a police vehicle.

Officials said at 9:40 a.m., this morning, a deputy was dispatched to the levee near Wilson’s Landing in the Patterson area in reference to a possible vehicle on fire. When the deputy arrived, they located a vehicle that was on fire while parked on the levee roadway.

While answering the call, the SMPSO unit also caught fire while parked on the levee roadway.

Officials said the grass in the area was tall enough to come into contact with the vehicle, which may have contributed to the ignition.

An internal review is underway to assess the incident and determine whether adjustments to departmental protocols are needed.

“We are grateful for the swift action of our fire department partners, whose quick response prevented a more serious situation,” said Sheriff Gary Driskell. “This serves as a critical reminder of the danger of parking on vegetation. We will be reinforcing proper procedures with our deputies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

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