In the elapsed period of 2025, 119 fires occurred within the Vitebsk region, resulting in 10 fatalities.

The situation with fires involving vehicles and mobile equipment remains tense. In 2024, 100 vehicle fires were recorded in the region, and within the first two months of the current year, 13 vehicles have already caught fire.

In most cases, the cause of vehicle fires is the emergency operation of electrical equipment. However, this does not mean other causes can be disregarded. Therefore, great care should be taken when installing gas equipment and heating systems. Furthermore, all safety requirements specified by the manufacturer must be adhered to 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. The aforementioned systems must be installed in specialised service centres with qualified technicians.

To prevent vehicle fires:

- undergo regular technical inspections 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 bulbs or fuses frequently blow in your vehicle, do not delay; take the vehicle to a service centre immediately for an electrician's inspection. This could be a consequence of a short circuit, which may lead to a fire;

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

- ensure the gas equipment installed in your vehicle is in good working order. If you detect a gas leak, 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 sources of fire for illumination.

If a vehicle fire does occur:

  • Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and have passengers alight, taking their documents and belongings;

  • Apply the parking brake;

  • Report the incident by calling 101 or 112;

  • While waiting for rescuers, attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. If you have a fire extinguisher, slightly open the bonnet and insert the nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the gap, trying to suppress the flames as much as possible. Then, open the bonnet and disconnect the vehicle's power by removing the battery terminals. Remember that the metal may already be hot.

  • After the vehicle has been disconnected from power, you can use improvised means such as sand, water, snow, or a dense cloth to extinguish the fire.

  • If the fire has reached the rear of the car where the fuel tank is located, move away from the vehicle quickly and as far as possible.

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