08/09/2021
KUWAIT- A Vehicle engulfed in flames in road 30.
CAUTION:
Not getting the car properly and regularly maintained makes it more prone to catching fire in the summer.
Vehicle maintenance and inspection is critical to prevent this phenomenon. Research indicates that 75% of vehicle fires are caused by poor maintenance, mechanical or electrical failures, or malfunctions.
Extreme temperatures are not the leading cause of vehicular fires but it could trigger the phenomenon.
The heat, by itself, does not cause a fire but it can be a contributing factor. “For example, if you park your car in the sun, there’s no problem at all. But if you place any flammable items inside the cockpit like petrol or other flammable liquids, and because of the heat inside the vehicle, the item could reach its flammable temperature and it will start burning.”
Most vehicle fires begin in the engine compartment. Fires in moving vehicles can also begin in the brakes, noting that braking hard particularly during summer could begin to burn pipes in the brakes and tubes.
Safety Measures When Your Car Catches Fire:
- Call emergency number 112
- If you are on the road, put your hazard lights on to alert other vehicles. Don’t panic and pull over at a safe location.
- Switch off the engine and get all the passengers out of the car immediately.
- If you have a powder fire extinguisher, check the origin of the fire. If it’s coming from the hood, open it and extinguish the fire through the gap. Ensure to be in the windward direction so you won’t inhale toxic fumes or get burnt.
- Stand at a safe distance but not so far from the fire’s base–between one meter to around 1.5m.