Car destroyed by fire, residents believe intentionally set

A family in one Yuma neighborhood is reaching out after a fire destroyed their family vehicle.

Single mother, Michaela Fabiani, said on March 18th around 9 p.m., she was greeted by her neighbors who told her that her car was on fire.

Fabiani said that her family just settled into the house, about 15 minutes after leaving the vehicle parked on South 9th Avenue, and started to watch a movie when she was notified by concerned neighbors.

“It made a lot of popping noises,” Fabiani added.

Fabiani, who was in the process of moving, said that she lost several items, including her own art pieces, her children’s toys, and clothing.

Fabiani along with neighbors and friends tried putting out the fire with water until the fire department took over and put the fire out.

She believes that the fire was caused by someone trying to hotwire and steal her vehicle.

The same night, other neighbors said that they had various items missing from their vehicles as well.

Yuma Fire officials said that there was no indication that Fabiani’s 1994 Lincoln was intentionally set on fire. They believe it was caused by a mechanical or electrical problem with the car.

Fabiani has set up a GoFundMe page to help with her family vehicle.