Motor Vehicle Fires

18/03/20240 views

Since the beginning of the current year, the region has experienced an unfavorable operational situation with fires involving motor vehicles and mobile equipment. Specifically, compared to the same period last year, there has been a 46.4% increase, resulting in 19 fires.

In 18 cases, the cause of vehicle fires was the emergency operation of electrical equipment. However, this does not mean other causes can be disregarded. For instance, great care should be taken when installing gas equipment and pre-heating systems; these should only be installed at specialized service centres. Furthermore, all safety requirements specified by the manufacturer must be observed when operating such equipment. Another common cause of fires is the substandard installation of additional electrical and heating equipment (engine pre-heating systems such as Webasto, Gidronik, remote starters, alarms, cabin heaters, seat heaters, steering wheel heaters, etc.) in vehicles. Such systems must be installed at specialized service centres with qualified personnel.

Additionally, to prevent vehicle fires:

- undergo scheduled maintenance on time;

- never refuel with the engine running, do not transport petrol in plastic canisters (plastic accumulates static electricity, which can cause petrol to ignite), and do not use open flames in close proximity to flammable and combustible liquids;

- if light bulbs or fuses frequently blow in your vehicle, do not wait; immediately take the vehicle to a service centre for an electrician's inspection, as this may be a consequence of a short circuit that could lead to a fire;

- check the fuel hoses of your vehicle – any wiring under the bonnet must be thoroughly insulated.

- ensure the gas equipment, if installed in your vehicle, is in good working order – in case of a gas smell, contact a specialist immediately;

- do not recharge batteries directly on the vehicles;
- do not heat engines with open flames.

(bonfires, torches, blowtorches), and do not use open flames for lighting.
If a car fire has occurred:

- stop the car, turn off the engine, and have passengers exit the vehicle, taking their documents and belongings;

- apply the parking brake;

- report the incident by calling 101 or 112;

- while waiting for rescuers, try to extinguish the fire yourself. If you have a fire extinguisher, slightly open the hood, insert the nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the gap created, and try to suppress the flames as much as possible. Then, open the hood and disconnect the car's power by removing the battery terminals. Remember that the metal may already be hot.

- after the car has been de-energized, you can use improvised means to extinguish the fire – sand, water, snow, or a dense cloth.

- if the fire has engulfed the rear of the car where the fuel tank is located, move away from the car quickly and as far as possible.

Observe safety regulations. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.