On average every year, U.S. fire departments responded to 287,000 vehicle fires. These uncontrollable fires usually start in the engine compartment, under the dashboard or, in many cases, because a cigarette has fallen onto flammable material. Many vehicles also catch fire when left alone in tall, grassy areas and the engine is still hot.

People tend to underestimate the intensity of a car fire and place themselves in danger. And because vehicle fires pose a threat of spreading to surrounding structures, we recommend the following actions in case of a vehicle fire:

• If the vehicle catches on fire while it is still in motion, move to the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• Get yourself and others out of the vehicle immediately.
• Get and stay far away from the vehicle.
• Warn oncoming traffic.
• Notify emergency services.
• And never to try to put out the fire yourself.

For more fire safety tips, view:
Change Your Clock and Change Your Batteries
How to Prevent Burn Injuries All Year Long