What to do in case of a fire on the road?

Throwing a cigarette butt or any object that could start a fire out the car window is considered a serious offense punishable by a fine of 200 euros and the loss of four points of the driver’s license

There are an average of 6,759 forest fires in Spain every year, of which more than 80% are caused by man through carelessness or negligence. And the risk level is higher near highways, so the chance of a driver being surprised by fire or its effects while driving is high.

More than 30 fires are still active, despite fire fighting and troops being relocated to the affected areas. In the midst of a wave of fires, it is useful to consider a series of recommendations to avoid being surrounded by flames when traveling by car.

Both the fire itself and the smoke it generates are two keys to detecting the presence of fire. Normally both can be seen from a distance, so if the path to follow leads us there it is advisable to turn around as soon as possible and find an alternative route. In addition to this obvious recommendation, we can also point out the following logical guidelines, such as try to remain calm and analyze the situation, and never cross an area with flames or very dense smoke.

In any case, you should always follow the instructions of the security services. The greatest risks come from throwing poorly extinguished cigarettes into the street, glass that causes the magnifying glass effect, or waste that builds up in gutters and helps spread the fire. For this reason, behavior such as throwing an object out the window is considered a serious offense punishable by a fine of 200 euros and the loss of four points of the driver’s license.

Although not common, a malfunction can cause an engine fire. As soon as smoke is detected, it is recommended to park the vehicle and use a fire extinguisher if possible. It is not common for the car to explode due to fire (as seen in the movies). If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, don’t open the hood to make it harder for the flames to spread. In the case of a motorcycle, if we don’t have a fire extinguisher, we can try to extinguish the flames with sand or earth.

If the fire occurs inside the vehicle, the danger is greater, as the seats and roof are made of highly flammable materials and can generate toxic smoke. After switching off the ignition of the car, in this case (if you do not have a fire extinguisher) it is best to close the doors and windows so that no oxygen enters and thus ensures that the flames go out faster.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.