May, 2011 -- Vehicle Fires

Hi everyone. Remington here with this months installment of "Remington’s Fire Safety Blog”. We’re going to shift a few gears this month and talk a little about "Hot Rods”. No…..I don’t mean the zero to 100 mph muscle cars from the drag strip. I’m talking about vehicle fires, occurring on average, 377,000 times every year in this country. 

          Did you know that, according to a US Fire Administration report, one in every four Fire Department responses are to vehicle fires? It also states that mechanical or design flaws are the leading cause of vehicle fires and that electrical wiring and fuel are the leading materials ignited in vehicle fires. While collisions are the leading cause of fire related deaths (64%) in vehicles, mechanical and design flaws are attributed to causing the greatest number of injuries. That’s because we get hurt trying to put them out without the proper extinguishment equipment. Carelessness on our part accounts for 8% of vehicle fires. Examples of carelessness include cigarettes dropped on the upholstery; distractions while driving, such as eating or cell phone use; parking over dry leaves or dry grass with a hot catalytic converter; and misuse of flammable liquids, especially gasoline, while servicing or maintaining the car.

          We all know that vehicle accidents are a fact of life and many of us have been involved in an accident at some point. The best thing we can do if we are involved in an accident is to exit the vehicle, if possible, and move a safe distance away. Sure…there may be an extenuating circumstance that doesn’t allow for a quick exit; but always keep in mind the possibility that there could be electrical and/or fuel issues as a result of the accident, which can suddenly, and without warning, engulf a vehicle in flames.

Now, as for the "Carelessness on our part” issue, it’s as simple as being completely attentive to your driving and others. Don’t become distracted by the latest gadgetry in your hand or by my favorite,…Food. And, always be mindful of what you are parking over (dry grass, leaves); a hot exhaust system is as good as a match when it comes to starting a fire.

          OK….let’s recap. ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. If you are involved in an accident, exit and move away from the vehicles, if possible. DO NOT BECOME DISTRACTED. I think there may be an old "Rock N Roll” song that says it best, "Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes upon the road.” Also, you might consider keeping a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. And, if you happen to get a RECALL on your vehicle, take it in for the fix. Many times these are electrical issues that are already documented as causing fires in your vehicle’s make and model.

          That’s it for this week. Hope everyone has a GREAT month and stays Fire Safe. Remember those Smoke Detectors in your home. If you don’t have them, get them. If you do have them, make sure they work.

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES.

I’m Remington the Fire Dog and I’m out of here.