Vehicle fires

photo of firefighters inspecting a lorry after a fire

While a lot of fires involving vehicles are related to arson and other crimes, there is a risk with any normal motor vehicle that defects, or damage caused by normal wear and tear, could cause a fire.  In fact, nearly three quarters of accidental car fires are due to vehicle defects, with defects in wiring and batteries being the single biggest cause. 

This page contains advice on how to check and maintain your vehicle to prevent this from happening. 

Carrying a fire extinguisher in your vehicle

This is always a good idea, and small extinguishers are available for exactly this purpose - but which type should you choose?  Multi-purpose dry powder or foam extinguishers are the most suitable types for vehicles fires.

Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can have disastrous consequences - not only in spreading a fire but also in causing severe injuries to the person tackling it.  You should always know what type of fire you are trying to tackle and whether your extinguisher is suitable and safe to use in those conditions.

Car electrics

  • Check wiring on a routine basis.  Look for signs of wear and damage.  Beware of bad connections and brittle insulation.
  • Fires commonly start in a vehicle's electrical loom and are often due to DIY modifications causing short circuits.
  • All alterations and modifications to a vehicle's electrical system should be carried out by a competent person - preferably a qualified mechanic.

Fuel

  • Routinely check all fuel lines for undue wear and ensure all connections are sound.
  • Fuel lines sometimes become punctured, disconnected or simply perforated due to wear or age.  Petrol vapour readily ignites on contact with a stray spark - or simply in contact with hot engine parts, such as the exhaust manifold.

Welding

  • Never use heat, naked flames or welding equipment near vehicle fuel tanks or fuel lines.
  • Explosive flash-overs can occur without warning, due to the presence of petrol vapour - particularly at low levels.  Unsuspecting welders have suffered serious burns and worse as the result of petrol vapour igniting around them.

General

  • Modern car interiors are largely composed of polymers, plastics and other synthetic materials - all of which are particularly flammable.
  • The smoke and fumes from any outbreak of fire are highly toxic and can be deadly if inhaled.
  • Simple common sense and the proper use and disposal of matches and cigarettes will minimise the risk of fire.

Further information and links