OLYMPIA, Wash. – It’s not uncommon for firefighters to be called to the scene of a car engulfed by flames. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has tips to keep drivers safe in the case of a car fire.
National Fire Protection Association data shows that vehicle fires are 4.5 times more likely to prove deadly than residential fires and caused $1.9 billion in direct property damage in 2018. The fire marshal’s office offered context on how this problem has affected Washington.
“In 2023, Washington State reported that vehicle fires were the fourth leading type of fire incident, with 3,593 fires reported. These incidents resulted in 13 fatalities and more than $167,000,000 in content and property loss,” the office said.
In the case of a vehicle fire, the marshal advises drivers to pull your vehicle efficiently to the side of the road, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Put at least 100 feet of distance between yourself and the vehicle, call 911 and do not get back in the car.
