Surviving a Car Fire: Essential Do's, Don'ts, and Preparations

Experiencing a car fire is a terrifying scenario, but knowing exactly how to react can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. While modern vehicles are designed with numerous safety features, electrical malfunctions, fluid leaks, and collisions can still spark dangerous blazes. In our mountainous and high fire danger environment, there are also some additional precautions to consider. 

Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your passengers:

How to Prepare Before It Happens

The best defense against a car fire is preventing one from starting. Regular maintenance and having the right tools on hand are your first line of defense. That being said, we had a car fire that spread to the wild land even though the vehicle had just come from the shop, because the mechanic did not tighten one of the fuel lines. Things can happen despite the best preparation. 

• Maintain your vehicle: Regularly inspect your car for fluid leaks under the chassis and have a mechanic check for cracked wiring or fuel lines. Electric vehicle fires are not more common than internal combustion engines, but they are more significant and it is best to call it in early. 

  
  

• Keep a safety tool accessible: Store a combination glass breaker and seat belt cutter in your center console or attached to your sun visor. While it is not the rule, it can happen that the door actuator and handles are not functional if there is a power issue. If you have an EV it is important that you know where the manual override is for the door handle. Please refer to your vehicle’s manual.  

  
  

• Carry an extinguisher: Keep an automotive-approved fire extinguisher (Class B and C for flammable liquids and electrical fires) securely mounted in your trunk. Pro-Tip, while not likely if you have a 1990’s Mercedes or BMW, check if there is one under the passenger seat! We sure wished that all cars would have that from the factory. 

  
  

• Watch for warning signs: Pay attention to rapid changes in fuel or oil levels, engine temperature spikes, or the smell of burning rubber, plastic, or electrical wire. If you tow a trailer, don’t try to reach everyone else’s speed on the highway, pay attention to your transmission temperature. Even a diesel pickup has its limits, and definitely any other car does. Know its designed peak temps so that you can make that informed decision to slow down. 

What to Do: The Evacuation Protocol

If you smell smoke, see flames, or suspect your vehicle is catching fire, you must act quickly and calmly. Follow these steps in order:

1. Pull over safely: Signal immediately. Put your hazards on. If you can do so, like most places on Sunshine Canyon, try not to park along the edge of the road or under trees. We are okay if the vehicle is parked in the middle of the road, but it has to be done safely. Any close proximity to vegetation can create the next wildland fire. Outside of our WUI environment it is best to move to the side of the road. Avoid parking in dry grass or brush.

   
   

2. Turn off the engine: This stops the flow of fuel and oil, which can feed the fire.

   
   

3. Evacuate immediately: Get everyone out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. Leave all personal belongings behind.

   
   

4. Close doors and windows: If you are able to, close all windows and doors. This slows down the progression of the fire. While the vehicle is often a complete loss regardless, a slowed down progression not only allows time for the fire department to get there to put the fire out and protect wildland exposures or other structures, but it additionally reduces the amount of embers that are landing in nearby vegetation. 

   
   

5. Create distance: Move everyone at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle to protect against toxic smoke and potential explosions. There are numerous ways in which there can be explosions, small and larger, in a car fire. The smoke can be so toxic that we must destroy our equipment if it has been exposed to specific types of smoke (in the event of an EV fire for example). If you ever see a car fire, stay away. Same applies if it is an e-scooter, flashlight battery or cellphone on fire. Beware of the toxic smoke that originates from lithium batteries. 

   
   

6. Stay clear of traffic: Ensure your safe distance also keeps you well away from oncoming traffic. Whether you break down on the side of the road or your car is on fire, do not assume that the next person coming down the road isn’t distracted by their latest post on their social media profile. 

   
   

7. Call emergency services: Dial 911 once you are at a safe distance.

   
   

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

In the heat of the moment, human instinct can sometimes lead to dangerous decisions. Keep these crucial "Don'ts" in mind.

1. The Instinct: Checking the Source

• Don't open the hood: It is natural to want to investigate where the smoke is coming from, but popping the hood provides a sudden rush of oxygen. This acts as fuel, instantly enlarging the fire and potentially causing a deadly flare-up right in your face.

  
  

• Do this instead: Step away from the vehicle immediately and dial 911. 

  
  

2. The Instinct: Saving Your Valuables

• Don't go back for belongings: Modern vehicles are full of plastics and chemicals that, when burned, create highly toxic smoke. A car cabin can become engulfed in this deadly smoke in a matter of seconds.

  
  

• Do this instead: Prioritize human life and evacuate immediately. There is absolutely nothing in your car so important that it is worth permanently damaging your lungs, or worse.

  
  

3. The Instinct: Fighting the Blaze

• Don't use water: Because car fires almost always involve gasoline or oil, throwing water on the flames is one of the worst things you can do. Water will not extinguish a liquid fuel fire; it will only carry and spread the burning oil, drastically expanding the fire perimeter and therefore danger zone.

  
  

• Do this instead: Leave the firefighting to the professionals. Call 911 and let the fire department handle it with the proper equipment.

  
  

4. The Instinct: Waiting It Out Nearby

• Don't stand next to the car: Once you are out, do not linger by the vehicle to watch or wait for help. Intense heat can cause tires and gas struts to explode, turning them into deadly, high-speed projectiles. And the exposure to the smoke can cause long term damage to your health, or worse, in the case of an electric vehicle fire. Just don’t be there. 

  
  

• Do this instead: Move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle, preferably upwind, and maintain that safe distance until first responders arrive.