This is the shocking moment a row of parked cars were swallowed up by flames after someone allegedly lit firecrackers next to them while the owners were visiting a nearby tourist spot.

The incident unfolded at the entrance of Chunbo Park, in Heze, in Shandong, eastern China, at around 4 pm on February 11.

Dramatic footage shows several cars burning as thick smoke billowed from the scene and flames shot into the sky.

Six cars were completely engulfed in the blaze. Witnesses said there were constant explosions at the scene, which was extremely scary.

Onlookers, lacking firefighting tools, could only watch in despair.

Prompted by a concerned passerby, car owners with contact information on their vehicles were reportedly alerted to move their cars quickly, while those without such information were less fortunate.

Although firefighters managed to extinguish the fire swiftly upon arrival, the six cars had already been reduced to charred wrecks.

According to preliminary investigations, before the fire broke out, people heard a series of firecrackers.

This sparked speculation about whether someone intentionally set the cars alight or if a stray spark from the firecrackers accidentally ignited the vehicles.

At the scene of the fire, several eyewitnesses expressed surprise at the suddenness of the incident while being interviewed by local media.

One witness recounted: 'I heard firecrackers, and then I saw flames shooting up, which scared me, and I quickly ran away.'

Another witness stated that before the fire, a car suddenly began smoking, followed by the sound of firecrackers. He believed the fire was likely intentional.

As the investigation progressed, some details emerged. It was revealed that before the fire, a suspicious vehicle had parked at the entrance of the scenic spot.

The driver of this vehicle, before leaving, allegedly left behind a string of firecrackers.

The fire department later discovered remnants of firecrackers, reports said.

Further investigation is being carried out.