MERRIMACK – Firefighters made quick work of extinguishing a burning SUV parked over gas storage tanks at a busy filling station on Monday afternoon, likely preventing a far worse scenario from developing.

The first crew to arrive at Gulf Express, at the corner of Continental Boulevard and Camp Sargent Road, initiated “a rapid attack” and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire, according to Fire Marshal John Manuele.

He said the crew of Engine 1, under the command of Lt. Shawn Brechtel, found the engine compartment of the SUV, a 2002 Nissan Xterra, fully involved with fire when they arrived just after 1:30 p.m.

Several police officers who arrived just ahead of Engine 1 ordered station employees to shut down the gas pumps, then began ushering other customers away from the pumps and the SUV.

The driver told officials he got off the Everett Turnpike at Exit 11 to fuel up the vehicle when he began to smell smoke.

As he entered the station and pulled up to the pumps, he told officials, heavy smoke began billowing from under the hood.

Manuele said the driver alertly drove away from the pumps, but unknowingly stopped the vehicle over the covers of the station’s underground storage tanks.

After the initial attack, Manuele said, firefighters were able to open the hood and the doors to finish the job.

Nobody was injured, he said, adding that the fire appears to have been caused by a malfunction in the engine. The vehicle sustained significant damage, especially to the engine compartment.

Crews departed about a half-hour after arrival, Manuele said.

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6443, dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com or@Telegraph_DeanS.

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