How to Prevent a Fire Outbreak After a Car Crash

Unlike what the movies portray, cars do not always catch fire after crashing. However, the risk of fire is real, and an outbreak can complicate your injuries and damages. Every motorist should know the precautions that can reduce this risk. Below are some things you can do to reduce fire risk after a crash.

Pull Over to a Safe Spot

Stop the car as soon as possible. Use your turn signals, pull over to a safe place, and stop. You increase the risk of injuries if you continue to drive the car. For one, stopping will reduce airflow throughout the car, which might starve the fire of air. Starving the fire might not extinguish it, but it slows down the fire and gives you time to put it out.



Secondly, stopping reduces your exposure to toxic fumes. Don't forget that the danger from a burning car doesn't just come from burn risks - smoke and toxic gas inhalation can also affect your health.

Turn Off the Ignition

Turn off the ignition as soon as you stop the car. Turning off the ignition also has multiple benefits. First, turning off the ignition prevents further fuel flow, and reduces the fuel available for the fire. Secondly, turning off the ignition turns off moving parts of the car that facilitate air circulation, such as the cooling fans. Switching off these parts starves the fire of air.

Get Away From the Car

The next step is to get away from the car as far as possible. According to leading experts, you should leave about 100 to 150 feet (or more) between you and the car. That amount of distance reduces your risk of burn injuries, even if the car explodes. The ample distance also reduces your risk of inhaling dangerous fumes from the burning car.

Call Emergency Services

Call emergency series as soon as you are clear from the car. You can call the fire department or the police. If your phone is in your car, don't go back for it. Ask another motorist or pedestrian to make the call. Be sure to stay out of the way of moving traffic while waiting for emergency services.

Think Twice Before Attempting to Extinguish the Fire

Many people carry fire extinguishers in their cars, and with good reason. However, think twice before trying to put out the fire on your own. Some of the reasons why this may be dangerous include:

• You are likely to be in shock after an accident and might not act rationally
• Your actions might fan the fire and worsen it
• The fuel in the tank might ignite and explode

If you have to put out the fire, ensure that:

• You have a suitable fire extinguisher (approved for Class B or Class C fires)
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher 
• You have clear access to the fire, it's small, and it's nowhere near the fuel tank
• Otherwise, wait for emergency services.

Don't Open Any Part of the Car

Don't go back to the car once you are out of it. Don't go back for your items. Don't open the trunk or door unless someone is stuck inside and you want to get them out. In short, don't go back to the car unless your actions can save a life.

Opening the doors or trunk will allow more air into the car and fan the flames. The flames might flare up and burn you or accelerate the burning. Leave the car as it is to give the emergency services time to put out the fire.

Hopefully, the above tips will keep you safe in the event of a car crash. Contact Wegner & Associates if you do get involved in an accident, whether it involves fire or not. We will evaluate the circumstances of the crash and help you pursue your auto accident settlement.