Dubai Police issue safety plea after 94 vehicle fires this year

Summer is a peak period for vehicle fires and owners are urged to ensure their vehicles are well maintained

Two cars on fire in a residential area in Al Reef. Vehicles contain several flammable liquids and materials, and once a fire starts spreading it can quickly escalate, so stand well clear and call the emergency services.

A car gutted by fire on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Cars can catch fire for a variety of reasons, but experts say as soon as there is even a hint of smoke, the driver and passengers should exit the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Dubai firefighters extinguish a fire resulting from a multi-car accident on Al Soufah Road near Knowledge Village.

Civil Defence clear up equipment after extinguishing a yellow Mini Cooper that caught fire in the basement level of the Shatha Tower, Media City. Antonie Robinson / The National

Leaking fuel systems, faulty or damaged wiring, spilled fluids and underperforming exhaust systems are just some of the avoidable causes for vehicle fires. Photo: Dubai Police

Batteries in electric vehicles are highly volatile, and if damaged can ignite. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Lamborghinis, McLarens and some Ferraris have high-exiting exhaust pipes at the back. If the cars are revved, they can spit flames, which can cause fires. Photo: James Vincent

In cars which are used less frequently, seals can become hard and start to crack, and filters can become clogged with dust all resulting in a greater chance of a fire. Sammy Dallal / The National

The summer heat does play a part in car fires, and high winds can fan flames. But really it is the desert environment that causes problems.

The climate causes plastic pipes to become brittle, rubber hoses to perish and electrical wires to fray, even if the car is not regularly used. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Most of the issues can be avoided with annual safety inspections at a reputable automotive service centre. Photo: Abu Dhabi Police

Dubai Police have issued a new safety warning to motorists after being called to investigate dozens of vehicle fire incidents so far this year.

Emergency services responded to 94 reports of blazes involving cars, buses and lorries in the emirate up until April 10.

This number is expected to increase during the summer, prompting experts to urge the public to carry out crucial vehicle maintenance to reduce fire risks.

Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, a fire expert in the force's forensic department, said the searing heat in the region made summer a peak period for vehicle fires.

“Main causes of the fires this year were poor service and lack of regular maintenance,” he said.

“Faulty wires, especially in old cars, lead to a malfunction in the car’s electrical system and inevitably cause fires, even if the car is parked and the engine not running.”

He urged motorists to have regular service checks and to ensure the work is being carried out by reputable repair shops and technicians.

Common causes of such fires include unauthorised modifications that do not meet approved specifications, or equipping vehicles with parts that are not compatible with its electric system or are installed by an unqualified person.

Other hazards are leaving liquids that contain flammable materials inside a vehicle or failing to disconnect electrical devices that later overheat, particularly when ambient temperatures are high.

An electrical fault sparked a large fire that destroyed 60 vehicles in a Dubai showroom complex in September, an investigation found.

“The blaze began in one car due to a malfunction in its main electrical circuit distribution unit,” said Capt Mohammed bin Abid, head of the fire department.

Be prepared in case of fire

As well as adopting good maintenance practices, police have offered guidance on what to do if a fire breaks out in your vehicle.

The driver should stop the vehicle when safe to do so if they see smoke or smell something burning and call Dubai Civil Defence for assistance.

Mr Ahmed advised drivers to carry a fire extinguisher in their vehicles and ensure they know how to use it if necessary, provided doing so does not put them at risk.

He said investigations into a fire that gutted a number of caravans in Jaddaf on April 14 are still ongoing.

“Investigations to submit a final report on the causes of the fire are near completion,” he said.

Firefighters also contained a blaze earlier in the month that swept through a car park in Dubai, damaging several vehicles.

Officials said the blaze – which sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky – was ignited by flammable material.

Risks for supercar owners

A number of dramatic fires involving luxury cars occurred in recent months.

In November, a sports car burst into flames on Sheikh Zayed Road, while the bonnet of a white convertible caught fire on the Palm on the same day.

High performance cars are more likely to go up in flames, particularly when they overheat, which can happen when they are stuck in traffic jams in the UAE's summer heat.

“Supercars are known for being a little more 'delicate' than other vehicles, although this does not make them more susceptible to catching fire," car mechanic Tim Crossley from I Service Any Car in Dubai, previously told The National.

“However as they generally are used less frequently, seals can become hard and start to crack, filters can become clogged with dust – all resulting in a greater chance of an issue arising.”

Are car fires more common in the UAE?

The summer heat plays a part in car fires, and high winds can fan flames, but it is the desert environment that really causes problems.

“The physical climate that we live in does take its toll on cars. Anyone who has left garden furniture out in the sun over the summer months will know the impact that the heat, sand and UV light has,” Mr Crossley said.

“Your car goes through the same conditions for years on end and it's easy to imagine how plastic pipes can become brittle, rubber hoses can perish and electrical wires can fray, even if the car isn't regularly used.”