A man was found dead in a car removed from a smoky and charred detached garage at an Edina apartment complex, authorities said Tuesday.

Smoke and flames were detected by witnesses about 4 p.m. Monday in the 6300 block of York Avenue S. and were reported to authorities, according to the Fire Department.

Crews from Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park worked in the cold to douse the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby garage units, the department added.

The car was towed out of the garage, and the man’s body was found in the front seat, the department said.

Authorities have yet to say what led to the fire. The man’s identity has not been released.

Paul Walsh