With fewer cars on the road, you keep to your normal speed and let other motorists pass you on the right.
Suddenly, you smell something foul in the cabin, followed by the emergence of smoke.
Shortly after, your car bursts into flames.
ALSO READ: Insurance coverage available for vehicle fires, says PIAM
As dramatic as it may sound, this scenario may exactly describe what some drivers have unfortunately experienced.
According to data from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, there is at least one case of vehicle fire in the state each week.A recent incident involved a bus with eight passengers that caught fire in Jalan Tandang here on Oct 1.
Another case had an electric vehicle (EV) parked in Jalan Puchong Jaya burst into flames on Monday.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in both instances.
In the event of a car fire, Automotive Workshop Industry Operators’ Association secretary Anisah Mohammad said it is best to prioritise personal safety by keeping away from the vehicle.
“There is a risk of explosion in EVs, and it is important for firemen to use specialised extinguishers to neutralise the lithium-ion battery fluid as water should not be used.
“Fire and Rescue teams have specific protocols and safety measures in place to extinguish such fires.
“It is advisable for vehicle owners or users to distance themselves from the vehicle, take photos and videos as evidence, and file a report with the relevant authorities for insurance claims,” she said.
Anisah said vehicle fires from cars powered by internal combustion engines could originate from hot components such as the power steering oil, engine oil or gear oil.
“If any of these oils leak when the engine is running and come into contact with the exhaust, it can ignite, leading to a fire.
“This is the primary cause of vehicle fires.
“Another issue that contributes to car fires is the maintenance problem, specifically with oil hoses and petrol leaks.
“Newer cars, especially those from the year 2010 and onwards, are more prone to car fires due to numerous electronic parts,” she said.
“Hybrid cars and EVs are particularly susceptible to fires caused by the battery cooling system.
“The expansion of the battery due to excessive heat can result in sparks, leading to a fire,” she added.
Anisah also noted that performance modifications on vehicles are okay as long as the owner understands its function, and the mechanic has the necessary knowledge and expertise.
“Vehicle owners should only allow mechanics who are recognised with a certificate, diploma or degree in the field of automotive, hybrid cars and EV technology, to handle such modifications,” she said.
She also called on vehicle owners to be aware of safety precautions, such as equipping their vehicles with proper fire extinguishers.
In the event of a car fire, you will be likely in shock and panicked, as they don’t happen nearly as frequently as car collisions. However, a car fire is just as deadly, so it’s worth knowing what to do in the event of a car fire.
Causes of car fires
Unfortunately, the majority of car fires are started deliberately, either by arson, by criminals trying to cover their tracks or committing insurance fraud. Only 35% of car fires are accidental, stemming from manufacturing issues and fixes that may have accidentally been done wrong. Sometimes a car fire is down to the lack of basic car maintenance, so make sure you’re getting regular servicing on your car and complete MOTs when they are due.
Dealing with a car fire
When a car fire starts, it’s vital you act quickly before you’re overcome with smoke and can’t evacuate the building. Vehicle fires spread rapidly, so follow these steps in the event of a fire:
- Pull over immediately and switch off the engine, this stops the flow of fuel, which is highly flammable.
- Get yourself and passengers out of the car and as far away as possible.
- DO NOT return to the vehicle for possessions, the vehicle might explode at any moment.
- Call 999, or if you have left your phone in the car, flag down another motorist and get them to call the emergency services for you.
- Stay aware of your surroundings whilst you wait for help, you might have stopped next to a busy roadside and it’s important you stay away from moving traffic. If you’re with kids stay extra vigilant and keep an eye on them.
You may have the instinct to try and put out the fire yourself, but unless you have the right fire extinguisher, you may be causing more damage than good:
- Opening the hood of the car will let more air reach the flames, which will in turn fuel the fire.
- Do not put water on the flames, the water might wash the burning petrol away to other areas where it will cause further problems.
- If it’s crucial you attempt to put the fire out without the proper fire extinguisher, earth and sand are a good way of suffocating the fire.
Here at Protect & Detect, we pride ourselves on delivering a fully comprehensive fire alarm installation service and an extensive range of fire extinguishers to keep you and your family safe. To enquire further about our fire extinguishers or any other services, give us a call or request a callback using our form.
Related stories:
