Abu Dhabi: Three people sustained minor to moderate injuries after a vehicle caught fire on Airport Road in the capital, Gulf News has learnt.
The flames were put out within four minutes, according to police, but the entire vehicle was burnt. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and police have launched an investigation.
Experts have urged motorists to undertake some minor yet vital steps to prevent vehicle fires, which tend to increase during the hot summer days.
Brigadier Hussain Ahmad Al Harithi, director of Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrol Directorate, has previously warned motorists, especially young drivers, to refrain from making modifications to the electric wiring of their vehicles at unprofessional service providers.
“Such modifications lead to higher risks of vehicles to catch fire, particularly in a collision with a solid structure, which may lead to the explosion of the vehicle. Another cause of fire can be a short circuit along with a fuel leakage after an accident,” he added.
Under its “Your Safety Is Our Goal” campaign, the Abu Dhabi Police have also launched an advertising campaign urging residents to install fire extinguishers in their vehicles to avoid fines starting September 1 of this year.
Ensuring that all electrical wiring within the vehicle is done using authentic parts may reduce the ignition of sparks while installing a licensed fire extinguisher can help put out any flames, said an expert.
“Although they can occur at any time, vehicle fires are most frequent during the summer where objects inside the car tend to overheat which can affect the car’s wires and electrical cables. This is why residents must make it a priority to purchase original parts only and not to settle for fakes,” said Engineer Khalid Al Khatib CEO of the National Fire Fighting Company (NAFFCO).
According to Al Khatib, fire extinguishers must be tested in international laboratories before being sold in order for their functionality to be validated and approved.
“If a fire extinguisher was unlicensed, it is merely a red cylinder. These objects must be placed in easily accessible areas, such as near the passenger seat, or in the trunk of the vehicle where there are no flammable objects,” he added.
Similarly, heavy vehicles such as buses with a large passenger capacity should carry at least two approved fire extinguishers, ideally placed near exits.
Earlier, the Al Ain Civil Defence launched a campaign in a bid to reduce the amount of vehicle fires.
Teams distributed pamphlets and extinguishers through gas stations to residents. Police have also encouraged residents to install fire extinguishers in their vehicles.
“Most recent vehicle fires could have been prevented if residents had known the importance of having a fire extinguisher with them at all times in their cars,” said Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Mohammad Hamarain Al Darmaki, director of Al Ain Civil Defence in an earlier statement.
“We have also seen motorists failing to take their vehicles for their routine check-ups and maintenance and that was another contributor,” he added.
