JOHNSTON, Iowa — Firefighters responded to a shopping center in Johnston after cars were engulfed in flames Friday morning.
The fire started in the parking lot of the Johnston Shopping Center near Hy-Vee on Merle Hay Road. Local 5 crews at the scene saw multiple vehicles on fire and heard the sound of electricity sparking.
Firefighters told nearby people to stay away from the fire, as there were downed power lines in the area.
Merle Hay Road has since reopened.
"After this morning's storms, we are grateful that everyone in our community is safe," the Johnston Police Department wrote on social media.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, and the number of affected vehicles is currently unknown.
Clean-up crews with the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District are also responding to other road blockages on Pioneer Parkway, Winwood Parkway and Crabapple Lane.