By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Flames and smoke shot into the air from an auto repair shop in north Normal Thursday, destroying the business and some cars parked in back.

Ramko Muharemoski, who identifies himself as the owner of Twin City Garage at 604 Orlando Avenue in Normal, said he plans to rebuild the business that opened less than a year ago at what used to be a car wash.

Muharemoski said he was among three employees and a customer who escaped injury.

Normal Fire Chief Mick Humer said workers tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher, but called 9-1-1.

“By the time we got here, the fire was through the roof,” said Humer.

“I would imagine (the fire) was spread by gasoline, diesel fuel, all the things you would find in a repair shop.”

In back of the business, authorities said there were 16 cars either destroyed or damaged from the flames.

Humer said the fire started in a service bay on the west side of the building after an engine and transmission were removed from a vehicle, but it’s not known for sure if that ignited the blaze.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]