Dodge Dart Catches Fire and Rolls Towards Longhorn Steakhouse

A vehicle caught fire in Madison and rolled toward a Longhorn Steakhouse on Tuesday, according to Madison Fire Department.

The owner of the Dodge Dart was inside the steakhouse at the time of the fire.

The Dane County 911 Public Safety Communications Center received at least nine 911 calls for a vehicle on fire parked between the AT&T store and Longhorn Steakhouse on Gammon Road.

As firefighters were en route to the scene, bystanders began reporting to 911 dispatchers that the unoccupied vehicle was rolling toward Longhorn Steakhouse and the fire was threatening the building.

According to Madison Fire Department, black smoke was seen coming from the vicinity as Engine Company 7 approached

Firefighters found a Dodge Dart resting against the north side of the steakhouse and flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire was extending to the wood trim of the restaurant's windows directly above the vehicle.

He said he put the manual transmission vehicle in first gear but did not set the parking brake before stepping inside for lunch.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.