St Joseph police are investigating after someone set fire to a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning. Firefighters were sent to the alley behind 908 Powell Street at 12:58 a.m. and found the vehicle fully involved and threatening two garages in the alley.

Police confirm an investigator’s report which indicates the 1995 Jeep Cherokee was stolen January 3.

Officials say the battery and radiator were removed from the vehicle, and then it was towed to the alley and set on fire. The vehicle was a total loss, and there was minor damage to at least one garage.

St Joseph Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson says the number of car fires here is trending downward. Year-end statistics show there were 58 car fires reported to the St Joseph Fire Department in 2011, compared to 60 during all of 2010. There were 104 car fires reported in 2004.