A search is underway for those responsible for setting a couch on top of a car and setting it on fire early Thursday morning.
The incident occurred outside a home occupied by Roger Johnston and Mary Greenwood and owned by Herman Perry in the 400 block of North College Street in Salem.
Salem Assistant Fire Chief Bill Fulton says upon arrival the burning couch was beginning to fall apart and dropping pieces onto the ground. The owners were attempting to keep the fire down with a garden hose. The fire was close enough to the home to cause some of the metal on the house to melt. However, it was extinguished before it could spread to the residence.
Fulton says the fire scorched the paint on the top of the car as well as causing some of the top to buckle. There was minor smoke damage to the interior. Fulton suspects the car will be a total loss.
Fulton said the couch had been placed outside the home and offered for free to anyone who wanted it.
As part of the investigation, video surveillance from homes in the neighborhood will be reviewed.
The fire call came in around four Thursday morning.
