In 2020, vehicle fires accounted for 15% of fires in the United States. The causes of a vehicle fire vary. The top causes include fuel system leaks, electrical system failures, spilled fluids, overheating engines and design flaws. No matter the cause, a vehicle fire is a frightening situation which can involve great danger to vehicle occupants and bystanders. Follow these step-by-step general suggestions on what to do if a vehicle catches fire:

While You are Moving on a Roadway

1. Signal your intentions and move to the right lane.
2. Get onto the shoulder or breakdown lane.
3. Stop immediately.
4. Shut off the engine.
5. Get yourself and all other persons out of the vehicle.
6. Get far away from the vehicle and stay away from it. Keep onlookers and others away.
7. Warn oncoming traffic.
8. Notify the fire department.
9. Don’t attempt to try to put out the fire yourself.

While the Vehicle is Stopped in Traffic or Parked

1. Shut off the engine.
2. Get far away from the vehicle.
3. Warn pedestrians and other vehicles to stay away.
4. Notify the fire department.
5. Don’t attempt to try to put out the fire yourself.

In all vehicle fire situations, the first thing to think about is personal safety; any vehicle can be replaced–humans cannot. Think and act quickly, in the safest way possible.