Stay Cool Under Pressure: How to Handle a Car Fire Emergency

Sep 8 2023 11:36AM

How to Prevent and Deal with Car Fires in the UK
Car fires are a serious and potentially fatal hazard that can affect any driver or passenger. According to the UK government data, there are around 100,000 vehicle fires a year in England, and 500 casualties resulting from them. In this blog, we will explore some of the causes, prevention tips, and actions to take in the event of a car fire. We will also introduce the Fire Safety Stick, a new and innovative fire extinguishing device that can help you fight car fires effectively and safely.

What Causes 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.

Some of the common causes of accidental car fires are:

Electrical faults:Faulty wiring, loose connections, or damaged batteries can spark a fire in the engine or dashboard.

Fuel system leaks:Leaking fuel lines, tanks, or injectors can cause fuel to drip onto hot surfaces or electrical components, creating a fire hazard.

Overheating engines:Overheating can occur due to low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, or blocked radiators. This can cause the engine to catch fire or ignite flammable fluids.

Collisions:Crashes can damage the fuel system or electrical system, causing leaks or sparks that can ignite a fire. They can also trap occupants inside the burning vehicle.

Electric vehicles:Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and catch fire if damaged or defective. They also pose a risk of reigniting after being extinguished, and releasing toxic fumes.

How to Prevent Car Fires?

?The best way to prevent car fires is to keep your vehicle in good condition and follow some simple safety tips:

Check your vehicle regularly for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. Pay attention to any unusual smells, noises, or warning lights.

Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic at least once a year, or more often if recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the maintenance schedule a

What to Do in the Event of a Car Fire?

If you notice any signs of a fire in your car, such as smoke, flames, or burning smell, you should act quickly and calmly to protect yourself and others. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Pull over as soon as you can do so safely. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. This will stop the flow of fuel and electricity to the fire.
2. Get yourself and any passengers out of the car as fast as possible. Do not go back for any belongings or try to open the bonnet. The fire could spread or explode at any moment.
3. Move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle and stay away. Keep other people and traffic away from the scene as well.
4. Call 999 and report the fire to the emergency services. Give them your location and any details about the fire, such as the type of vehicle, fuel, or cargo involved.
5. If you have a suitable fire extinguisher, such as the Fire Safety Stick, you can try to put out the fire from a safe distance. Aim at the base of the flames and sweep from side to side until the fire is out. Do not use water or unsuitable extinguishers on car fires, as they could make it worse.

What is the Fire Safety Stick?

The Fire Safety Stick is a new, innovative fire extinguishing device that can help you fight car fires effectively and safely. It is unlike any other extinguisher on the market. It is unpressurised and is activated much like striking a match. It uses a potassium ion jet that works by interrupting the fire’s chain of reaction8. It has many advantages over conventional extinguishers:

- It can last up to 50/100 seconds, compared to 7 seconds for a typical 1kg powder extinguisher.
- It can tackle 5 classes of fires, including electrical and cooking oil fires, making it versatile and reliable.
- It does not leave behind any harmful or damaging residue, meaning less cleanup and downtime.
- It has a 15-year shelf life, and does not require any servicing, refilling, or maintenance.
- It is small and lightweight, weighing only 215 grams or 365 grams depending on the model.
- It is environmentally friendly, and does not contribute to global warming or ozone depletion.
- It is safe to breathe, and does not impair the vision or breathing of the user.

The Fire Safety Stick is an ideal fire extinguishing device for car owners, as it can help you prevent a small fire from becoming a major disaster. You can store it in an easily accessible place in your vehicle, and use it in an emergency. You can even activate it and leave it inside the car to extinguish the fire while you get out to safety.

Conclusion

Car fires are a serious and potentially fatal hazard that can affect any driver or passenger. They can be caused by various factors, such as electrical faults, fuel leaks, overheating engines, collisions, or electric vehicles. You can prevent car fires by keeping your vehicle in good condition and following some simple safety tips. If you encounter a car fire, you should pull over, get out, call 999, and use a suitable fire extinguisher if possible. The Fire Safety Stick is a new and innovative fire extinguishing device that can help you fight car fires effectively and safely. It is versatile, long-lasting, residue-free, and easy to use. It is an ideal fire extinguishing device for car owners, as it can help you prevent a small fire from becoming a major disaster.