Staff Report

A fire destroyed a garage at 54 Farnham St. in Portland’s Riverton neighborhood Monday afternoon.

PORTLAND, ME - DECEMBER 12: Scene of a garage fire on Farnham Street. Portland fire men begin the cleanup following the garage fire. (Photo by John Ewing/Staff Photographer) John Ewing/Staff Photographer

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Thompson said the garage was engulfed in flames by the time fire crews arrived shortly after noon.

Thompson said firefighters were unable to save the garage, but were successful in preventing the fire from spreading to the home at 54 Farnham St. and to a neighbor’s house.

“This fire burned very hot and very fast,” he said.

A minivan or sport utility vehicle parked inside the garage was destroyed by the intense heat.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and is under investigation.