How to Deal with a Car Fire?
2 Answers
How to handle a car fire: 1. Pull over, turn off the engine, and disconnect the fuel pump; 2. After turning off the power, quickly exit the vehicle; 3. Assess the fire situation, slightly open the hood to allow oxygen in, then slowly open it fully; 4. Use a fire extinguisher to cool and extinguish the fire by aiming at the fuel tank and burning parts; 5. If the fire is large and uncontrollable, evacuate immediately to ensure personal safety. Causes of car fires: 1. Gasoline leakage, as the fuel tank and fuel lines are located at the bottom of the car, damage from scraping the bottom can lead to fuel leaks; 2. Aging wires, where the insulation peels off or breaks, exposing the copper core, which can generate sparks when contacting other wires or the car body, leading to a fire.
When the car catches fire, I first stop the engine and pull the handbrake, ensuring that I and the passengers safely evacuate to a secure distance of 10 meters away. Do not open the hood, as air can fuel the flames. If the car's fire extinguisher is usable, aim carefully at the base of the flames to extinguish them, but avoid high-temperature areas. Immediately call 119 to report the incident and describe the location, waiting for professional rescue. During the incident, stay calm and avoid running back to retrieve belongings. Afterward, I inspect the vehicle for possible causes such as oil pipe leaks or aging circuits, contact the insurance company to file a claim, and have the car towed to a certified repair shop for a comprehensive inspection. To prevent future incidents, regularly maintain the engine compartment by keeping it clean, avoid unauthorized modifications to the wiring, especially parking in shaded areas during high summer temperatures. Regularly check wire connections to prevent short circuits and ensure the fire extinguisher is replaced before it expires. Remember to document details such as the license plate and location after the accident for claim purposes, avoiding secondary risks.
