US investigates reports of fires in Chevy Tahoes

WASHINGTON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. safety officials have launched a preliminary investigation of reported engine compartment fires in General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) full size Tahoe and GMC Yukon sport utility vehicles.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents show the agency received two complaints alleging fires in 2007 models.

An estimated 423,000 pickups could be affected, General Motors said.

It is unclear where the fires originated. Key components include the engine and engine cooling, wiring, and the battery and related cables, NHTSA said.

Both complaints said the fires occurred when the vehicles were parked in private garages with the engine off, and caused significant property damage. Two injuries were reported.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said the automaker was notified by the government last week, but has no independent confirmation of the alleged incidents.

Adler also said there has been nothing to suggest "a pattern or trend" regarding engine fires in Tahoe or Yukon models. (Reporting by John Crawley; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)