The number of vehicles that went up in flames last year hit a record high with more than 40 fires happening every day across the UK.
Figures obtained exclusively from a GB News investigation revealed there were a total of 14,920 vehicle fires last year, which equates to almost 41 every day.
Vehicle fires have a major impact on traffic and cause major road disruptions, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians. Dealing with a fire requires time and energy from emergency services who move quickly to tame the flames.
What is most shocking about the investigationtion IS large number of fires that are set on purpose.
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FOI records revealed that 5,000 fires were set deliberately
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The data revealed that in total, across the UK around a third of all fires were set deliberately. While vehicle fires can be accidentally started by engine failures, this appears not to be the case.
More than 5,000 fires were set deliberately, with 365 occurring in Northern Ireland alone.
Fires are kindled through a oversupply e electricityto the vehicle or BY PHYSICALly LIGHTENING THEThe vehicle in fireaccording to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Other methods included fuel manipulation, use of chemicals, or spread from secondary vehicle fires were all major contributors.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported the most fires of any region, with 3,954 on roads around the area and 300 deliberately set. This means the South West England area sees an average of more than 10 car fires every day.
Elsewhere, National Highways reported the second highest number at 2,421, while 1,881 were recorded in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service explained that there were a total of 128 accidental car fires between January and December last year.
Of these cases, 53 were registered as initiated by one person, while 60 were registered as “unknown”.
Fires on UK roads can take more than 24 hours to put out
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Hampshire Fire Service recorded fires that started due to the “careless disposal” of flammable items inside the car or due to a fault in equipment or appliances.
Improper fueling of both petrol and diesel vehicles caused 18 vehicle fires, but 53 incidents occurred due to electricity paults inside battery electric vehicles.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service explained that keeping up to date with a car service and MOT will reduce the risk of a car catching fire. Most fires attended by the rescue service can be “prevented with regular car maintenance”.
He explained: “You can reduce the risk of your car catching fire by doing a few simple checks before your journey.
“Your vehicle owner or a reputable auto garage can recommend the little things to look for, like checking oil, tire and coolant levels. not ignore the warning lights – these are early indicators of a potential problem.”
When you look at the data from a more nuanced view, one car manufacturer appeared the most in vehicle fire reports – German car brand BMW.
Since 2017, BMW has been forced to recall over a million models due to potential fire hazards. The automaker recalled a number of vehicles built between 2006 and 2013, including the 1 Series, 3 Series, X3, 5 Series, X5 and Z4 models in 2022.
The recall was due to concerns that the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve could short circuit and in extremely rare cases could increase the risk of a fire.
Ford models caused 116 vehicle fires last year
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The withdrawal raised so much concern that it led the UK Parliament to launch an investigation. In filing written evidence, BMW said it takes its responsibilities as a vehicle manufacturer “extremely seriously”, especially when it comes to the safety of its customers and its products.
The text detailed: “We continuously monitor the safety performance of our products in the market and follow up on safety-related observations.”
We work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our customers and other road users.”
Meanwhile, Ford came in second with 116 vehicle fires, while the West Midlands recorded the most for this brand.
A National Highways spokesman explained that vehicle fires represent a small number of incidents it tracks.
In 2023, the agency dealt with over 290,000 incidents on the strategic road network with vehicle fires representing less than one percent.
A spokesman added: “Safety is our priority and sometimes temporary lane and carriageway closures are necessary while the fire service arrives, assesses and tackles a fire.
“TThe intensity and duration of larger fires involving heavy goods vehicles may mean that re-ignitions must occur after the fire has been extinguished and the vehicle removed.”
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All types of vehicles can be at risk of causing a car fire
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Offering advice to drivers, the National Highways Agency stated that if a driver is in a vehicle affected by fire, try to pull over to the left and out of moving traffic. Drivers should get out of the vehicle and drive away before calling emergency services.
A spokesman for London Fire Brigade told GB News that although car fires are quite rare, “they can be extremely dangerous”.
Gasoline and diesel are highly flammable fuels, while lithium batteries in electric cars are also known to burn quickly and intensely.
“Anyone who comes across a suspected car fire should call 999 immediately,” the Brigade suggested.
