A large fire destroyed a garage and damaged at least two homes late Thursday afternoon in the 1600 block of 59th St. The fire, which engulfed the garage and later singed the home at 1607 59th St., blanketed the area with thick smoke for more than an hour. Area residents said they heard numerous “pops” about 2:45 p.m. and then saw large flames shooting out of the garage. The site was still smoldering more than an hour later and 60th Street was closed as first responders rushed to the scene. There were no immediate reports of injuries. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire. The homeowners, who wished not to be named, said they are devastated at the loss of property, including a new truck parked outside the garage that was “burned to the ground.”