Car fire response
A car is a real warehouse of flammable materials: gasoline, oil, rubber, paint, leather or fabric, wiring, etc.
The car burns out completely in 4 – 6 minutes. Therefore, when you are close to such a fire, leave the scene of the incident as soon as possible at a safe distance – 10–15 meters along the radius, since a gas tank explosion may follow when a car ignites.
The fire safety of a car depends on the vigilance and responsibility of its owner, on their compliance with the rules and regulations of operation. In addition, an important safety condition is the presence of a serviceable fire extinguisher in the car.
Powder fire extinguishers are among the most effective. They are filled with a special composition, which makes it possible to extinguish various combustible substances, as well as electrical equipment under voltage.
You need to buy a fire extinguisher only in specialized stores, before checking fire safety certificates and a passport, which should contain the expiration date.
It is better to place a fire extinguisher in the cabin, in close proximity to the car owner. It is not recommended to leave it in the trunk as it can be difficult to access during an emergency.
Be mindful of your car
– A fire is preceded by the appearance of smoke, the smell of burnt wiring, rubber or gasoline fumes in the car.
Don’t panic
– Stop the car at the exit of the road away from people, other cars, buildings and structures. Turn off the engine, disembark passengers, put on the handbrake, pick up documents from the car. Remember not to stay inside the cabin for more than 90 seconds.
Don’t increase your movement speed
– If the car caught fire while driving, do not increase the speed, as this will only ignite the vehicle even more.
Look where the smoke is located
– If there is a fire near the gas tank, move away immediately and get everyone to a safe distance.
If there is a fire under the hood
– It is necessary to carefully open the place of the source of ignition with a stick or mount, as a flame may be ejected, and direct the foam of the fire extinguisher. It is important to extinguish the most intense source of fire either with a fire extinguisher or by covering it with a tarp, throwing sand, snow or earth over it. If it is impossible to quickly extinguish the fire, it is necessary to move to a sufficiently safe distance.
If there are passengers in the car
– In this case, it is important to help them get out as soon as possible and take them to a safe distance, if necessary, provide them with first aid and subsequently call an ambulance.
If the car caught fire near other cars
– If the car caught fire near other cars, you should roll the nearby cars to the side or pour water on them to prevent them from catching fire.
Fire must be reported to the fire brigade
– In the event of a car fire, it is necessary to report a fire to the fire brigade by phone – 101, or to a rescue service by phone – 911.
A car fire can be caused by:
• electrical wiring failure;
• depressurization of the fuel system;
• high temperature of some parts;
• smoking in the car;
• incorrect transportation of dangerous goods;
• collision of cars;
• Arson of ill-wishers.
In the event of a fire, the driver of the car must be prepared to take the right action and competently localize the source of ignition. There are three most important things that you should always have in your car: a first aid kit with medicines, a fire extinguisher and a non-synthetic cape.
Created based on materials from the official Internet portal EMERCOM of the Russian Federation
