by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: November 05, 2008   Last Updated: May 21, 2012

Driving down the highway, smoke starts rising out of the hood of the car. You pull over to the side of the road and get out. Smoke billows from the rear of the car. The paint blackens on the car. Then you see the flames. Before the fire department can arrive, the car burns to a black cinder on the side of the road. The upside? You got out.

What do I do in the event of a fire?

1. Get over.
Steer to the side of the road or a parking lot to get yourself, passengers and the car safely out of the line of traffic. Be sure to park and turn off the car. This stops the flow of electricity and gasoline. Engage the parking brake so the vehicle will not move. Do not open the hood or windows. They restrict the amount of oxygen, which makes the fire bigger.

2. Get out.
Get you and your passengers out of the car. Close the doors. Do not try to retrieve belongings from the car once you get out.

3. Get back.
Move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle. Stay away from possible flying debris by standing to the side of the car rather than in front or back. If possible, stand uphill and upwind to avoid leaking and flammable fluids, gases, toxic fumes and smoke. Keep all passengers with you and away from traffic.

4. Get help.
Dial 911. Firefighters are trained to combat vehicle fires. Do not put yourself in danger by attempting to fight the fire yourself.

Calling 911 can get help to you in time to minimize damage to the vehicle. Emergency services should check each occupant of the car to be sure they have not inhaled dangerous smoke or fumes.

What causes car fires?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says most fires are a result of electrical or mechanical malfunctions or failures. Once the fire starts, leaking flammable fluids and gases make the blaze burn out of control. The heat melts hoses and line joints for brake and transmission fluids, gasoline and power steering fluid.

Fire Facts
According to the NFPA, in 2007, 365 deaths, 1,500 injuries and more than $1 billion in property damage directly resulted from vehicle fires in the United States.

One third of all non-fatal vehicle fire injuries resulted from drivers, bystanders and passengers attempting to fight the fire themselves. Leave firefighting to the professionals.

Only 3% of vehicle fires result from collisions and overturned vehicles. 57% of vehicle fire fatalities resulted from collisions and overturned vehicles. Driving safely reduces your risk of dying in a vehicle fire.

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