The Burning Car - how do you look at it?

Yesterday, I witnessed yet another horrific fire accident; this time it was a on-road car on fire at Sinhagad Road, Pune.

I was one amongst (at least) 500 onlookers witnessing the 'burning car'. There were some like me - helplessly looking at the burning car and some others who were mercilessly capturing the accident in their smart(?)phones. Some traffic policemen quickly put up barricades on the road to block the incoming traffic. But this also blocked the fire brigade vehicle which was less than 50 meters away from the burning car but could not reach near the car until it was reduced to charred chassis.

The purpose of this preamble is just to get your focus - we all own a vehicle and it is likely that we may come across such vehicle fire accident. Let's understand how to react when caught in such incidents.

• If the vehicle is moving, slow down, politely signal and move to the side of the road, stop.
• Shut off the engine.
• Get yourself and all other occupants out of the vehicle immediately.
• Get far away from the vehicle and stay away from it. Keep onlookers and others away.
• Avoid standing down-wind; vehicle fires produce highly unpleasant, irritating, and toxic smoke.
• Do not stand in front of the vehicle as the bumper shock mechanism may eject the bumper.
• Do not stand behind the vehicle as the CNG or fuel tank may explode.
• Warn oncoming traffic to keep clear.
• Notify emergency services / fire brigade on 101 or 108.
• Again, keep onlookers and others away. Keep the traffic clear for emergency services / fire brigade.
• Do not attempt to put out (extinguish) the fire yourself.

The last is important due to the risk of explosion and the toxic fumes originating from vehicle fires. Inhalation of toxic fumes is the most common form of fire-related death. Also, the liquid fuels (oil and petrol) that are present in most vehicles, if burning, can be difficult and hazardous to extinguish. But, if at all, you want to attempt to extinguish vehicle fire on your own, then keep reading.

Most vehicle fires start with heated engine under the bonnet (or engine cover). 

If you see some fumes, out of a car's bonnet, you may want to open the bonnet and let it cool. But beware! Opening the bonnet of a car which may be heated or already on fire is especially dangerous, as it allows a rapid and significant surge of air into the engine compartment. This may cause a rapid increase in fire intensity. Alternatively, you may think of buying and carrying handy fire extinguisher in your vehicle. But again, beware! This should not be seen as overriding the advice above. It has been suggested that, when using a fire extinguisher on an engine fire, the extinguisher should be fully discharged through the gap created by simply releasing (but not lifting) the bonnet, and then the vehicle should be left until the fire brigade declares it safe.

It is highly unsafe for untrained persons like you and me to attempt extinguishing vehicle fire.

Does it mean, we have a total loss in such cases? YES, in most cases. Often vehicle fires cause a vehicle to be a total loss. If you do not have any means to put out your vehicle fire, make sure to call the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. It is important that you purchase the coverage on your vehicle insurance before any such loss occurs. Having comprehensive coverage can make a horrible situation bearable by knowing you will not have to cover the expenses all on your own. It is always better to know what your car insurance policy covers before a loss occurs so you are not surprised in a claim situation.

A 'Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance' will cover fire damage to your car regardless of what caused the fire.