BUTLER TWP — A man suffered burns after his car caught fire in a garage Sunday afternoon in Butler Township.

The fire started at Jack McCandless’ home in the 1300 block of South Main Street about 12:30 p.m. while he was working on the car, authorities said.

“He received first- and second-degree burns on both hands and forearms,” said township Fire Marshal Larry Christy.

A Butler Ambulance Service crew treated McCandless at the scene but he apparently refused hospital treatment.

“He had burns and blistering but he said he’d take care of it himself,” Christy said. McCandless could not be reached for comment this morning.

The fire quickly spread and destroyed the stall-and-a-half cement block garage that included a second-story wood-frame storage area.

About 35 firefighters from five departments battled the blaze and managed to stop it from spreading to neighboring property, authorities said.

McCandless was underneath his Honda doing repair work when the fire started.

“He believes he struck the gas line with a grinder,” Christy said. “Immediately under the car was a trail of fire.”

McCandless suffered burns but managed to get out and call 911.

The fire destroyed the garage and car as well as auto parts and household items inside the building, authorities said.

The fire never threatened McCandless’ house, which is about 25 to 30 feet from the garage.

Damage was estimated at $25,000 to the garage and another $20,000 to its contents. The property was insured.

Firefighters from South Butler, Butler Township Fire District 3, Mercer Road, Butler and Penn Township responded. Butler Township police were also called.

Fire crews were on scene for about two hours.