Arlington wheel repair shop damaged by fire started by fireworks

ARLINGTON, Va. ( DC News Now ) — An Arlington car shop owner is working to rebuild after a fire last week left about $250,000 worth of damages to his small business.

Arlington Fire and EMS said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the fire was started by fireworks “striking at or near the building.”

The shop, Wheel Repairs Pro on Shirlington Drive, is owned by Milan Cukalovic. He came to Northern Virginia from Serbia more than 15 years ago and said his love for cars is what started his business, and he’s motivated to ensure the fire does not end it.

Cukalovic said the fire, which happened on Friday, July 5, was called in by a neighbor. He arrived shortly after, as fire crews were putting it out.

While on the scene, he viewed video from a nearby surveillance camera that showed what appeared to be some sort of firework flying toward — and flaring — the garage.

“You can see right here, there’s a portion of grass that is burned,” he told DC News Now as he showed the damage near the back of the garage.

Inside the garage, the sights and smells of the fire are still present. Cukalovic said it’s still hard to see. He’s working with insurance and the fire marshal to recoup the losses and is determined to rebuild.

“Every day is important for me,” he said. “I know it’s going to take some time, but every day is so important for me to get back on my feet again.”

Cukalovic said he wants other businesses to make sure they protect themselves.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

The incident, he said, is a lesson for everyone — especially around July 4 — who uses fireworks.

“Like everything, if you drive a vehicle if you’re drunk, you’re supposed to be home,” he said. “Same if you operate fireworks, [you should know] what is legal or not.”

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