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Family Escapes Unharmed as Vintage VW Bus Erupts in Flames in Spring Hill

Issue #506

July 25, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly to mostly cloudy. Stray shower possible. High of 91, low of 73.

📰 Family Escapes Unharmed as Vintage VW Bus Erupts in Flames in Spring Hill

📌 August 8: Grand Reopening of Fire Station #1

📌 TONIGHT: Mulehouse Songwriter Series

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Family Escapes Unharmed as Vintage VW Bus Erupts in Flames in Spring Hill

Wednesday evening at 9:22 p.m., C-Shift Station 2 units—Engine 62 and Rescue 64—responded to a vehicle fire on Port Royal Road near JW Parkway, along with SHPD, Battalion 60, and Chief 60. A vintage 1979 VW bus was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived. All four occupants, including a senior family member, escaped unharmed after being alerted by passing motorists.

According to Spring Hill fire investigators, the family had just filled up the gas tank and was stopped at a light when other drivers noticed the smoke and warned them of the fire. The quick actions of bystanders likely prevented a much worse outcome, as the flames could have spread rapidly inside the vehicle while in motion.

Firefighters faced additional challenges due to the bus’s magnesium engine components, which burn extremely hot and can react violently to water. The blaze produced white flames and sparks when suppression efforts began, requiring the use of both dry chemical extinguishers and foam to bring the fire under control. Foam was also applied on the roadway to suppress vapors and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Volkswagen buses from this era are known to be susceptible to engine fires caused by fuel leaks or mechanical failures. In this case, the fire completely destroyed the family’s newly purchased vehicle, which they had owned for just a week.

Despite the intensity of the flames, there was no damage to the roadway, and no injuries were reported. The fire has been ruled accidental.

August 8: Grand Reopening of Fire Station #1

The City of Columbia will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Fire Station No. 1. This significant project strengthens the City’s emergency response capabilities by providing modernized facilities and enhanced operational space for fire personnel.

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Fire Station No. 1

1000 S Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Enter to park behind the Fire Station at 1001 S High Street

Local officials and members of the community are invited to attend and take part in this special occasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the updated station and hear remarks from city leadership.

TONIGHT: Mulehouse Songwriter Series

Our monthly show featuring Nashville's most talented songwriters from all ages and tenure in the business. Relax, sit back in our intimate setting and hear the stories behind these songs. These will be evenings of music you DON'T want to miss!

ABOUT THE SONGWRITERS :

EARL BUD LEE has written songs for country music's biggest stars including: Garth Brooks, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Tracy Byrd and more!

His biggest hit? FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES RECORDED BY GARTH BROOKS! This song was written by Earl Bud Lee and Dwayne Blackwell. It earned both an Academy of Country Music award as well as a Country Music Association award in 1990 for Single of the year!

WYNN VARBLE has had numerous hits including three number ones... all three were nominated for "Song of the Year" by the CMA and/or ACM. Wynn's three number one songs are: “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley, “Waitin’ on A Woman” by Brad Paisley, and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” recorded by Easton Corbin. In addition to his number ones, Wynn's had songs recorded by artists such as Garth Brooks, Cody Johnson, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, Mark Chesnutt, Kellie Pickler, Lee Ann Womack, and many others

GARY CHAPMAN is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Gary Chapman, along with Amy Grant , wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, July 25th ***Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday Weekend***

Saturday, July 26th

Sunday, July 27th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 1-9: Williamson County Fair
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, July 25th

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jason Alexander, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night, Grinders Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brittany Elise, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Damien Boggs, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Golden Soul Revue, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Songwriter Series, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
5x5, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, July 26th

The Grasskickers, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
The Michael Fair Band, The Mulehouse, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Tom Wheatley, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
The Jim Brown Band, Mt. Pleasant Music on The Porch, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Mettle & Mercury Red, Elm Springs, 7:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM
Song Writers Open Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Nick Duhe, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 -9:30 PM
Lynnmarie & E3, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
MFT, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Scotty Morton Band, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Sunday, July 27th

Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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