A 1984 DMC DeLorean, the iconic stainless-steel sports car made famous by the Back to the Future films, was destroyed in a garage fire in the 100 block of San Marino Drive in San Rafael's Peacock Gap neighborhood on Sunday, July 26, according to fire officials.

The homeowner turned on the DeLorean's ignition around 4:40 p.m. and smelled fumes and vapors before realizing the engine was on fire, according to firefighters. He grabbed a garden hose and tried to douse the flames, but because the fire was in the engine compartment, he couldn't extinguish it before crews arrived.

San Rafael firefighters controlled the blaze in roughly 15 minutes, preventing it from spreading into the home's living areas. The DeLorean was destroyed along with other garage contents.

Two residents evacuated. No one was injured.

Deputy Chief Robert Sinnott, the department's public information officer, said investigators believe a mechanical malfunction while the engine was running caused the fire. The cause remains under investigation.

A rare machine

The DeLorean is known for its gull-wing doors, V-6 engine, and stainless-steel body, which gives it a distinctive silver appearance. According to DeLorean Motor Company's buyers guide, roughly 9,000 of the vehicles were produced before the company shut down in 1982, making surviving examples rare collector cars.

No dollar estimate for the loss has been released.

Fire safety reminder

In a press release issued Monday, July 27, the San Rafael Fire Department emphasized the importance of maintaining protective barriers between attached garages and living areas to help stop the spread of fire and smoke. The department recommends homeowners keep those barriers in good repair to prevent garage fires from reaching living spaces.