Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot

Officials were called to the Kozlov Mall in Barrie Ont., after reports of a Dodge Caravan deluxe taxi caught fire on Dec., 28, 2024. (Courtesy: April Turner)

Some locals quickly pulled out their cellphones to capture the dramatic scene as a minivan went up in flames in a Barrie parking lot.

On Saturday afternoon, officials were called to the Kozlov Mall in Barrie after a Dodge Caravan deluxe taxi was observed covered in black smoke and flames.

The Deputy Fire Chief of Barrie says the driver of the vehicle was able to escape the blaze without any injuries. Officials say two fire trucks attended the scene and put out the intense flames in an ample amount of time.

Videos on social media show the dark smoke hovering over the parking lot, startling residents in the surrounding area.

Officials say it is unclear what caused this fire.