Tips for Dealing with a Car Fire

If a car suddenly catches on fire, drivers and passengers should take some immediate steps in order to protect themselves. When cruising on the highway at high speeds, the driver of a burning vehicle should try to pull off to the nearest shoulder or parking lot safely without endangering other nearby vehicles.

Sudden sharp turns and maneuvers should not be done because collisions with other cars or objects might make the fire even worse. It is important to completely turn the engine off before running out of a burning vehicle. Additionally, the headlights should also be turned off because their heat can further intensity flames that are burning.

The driver and passenger of a vehicle that is on fire should run away to a safe distance that is usually at least dozens of feet away. Such individuals might want to cover their head and face with clothing or other cloths in order to prevent harmful inhalation of smoke and carbon monoxide. Additionally, such covers can provide protection against any flying debris and other toxic gases that get released from exploding air bags and batteries. For instance, the lead acid inside a battery can easily spill out and explode during a fire.

While keeping a safe distance from a burning car, it is important to take some steps to alert any other pedestrians and incoming motorists. Waving large pieces of clothing is a good way to catch the attention of people that might be entering a dangerous fire zone.

Drivers and passengers are not advised to use any available fire extinguishers. Even if the fire under the hood seems relatively light, there might be a sudden explosion that sends out heavy metal components flying in all directions. Only the local fire department has the skills and resources to quickly extinguish a fire inside a car.

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