Car catches fire twice at Dubai petrol station

Staff rushed to put out the fire using extinguishers while another group evacuated vehicles from the station, Emarat said.

After being extinguished, the van caught fire again after the vehicle had been moved away from the station. Courtesy Emirates General Petroleum Corporation - Emarat

DUBAI // A van caught fire at an Emarat petrol station in Dubai while waiting in line to refuel, the company said on Tuesday.

The motorist had entered the station on Sunday morning, according to security footage, and was waiting to refuel the vehicle when smoke rose from the car and a fire broke out, said Emarat spokesman Hussain Kazim. Staff rushed to fire extinguishers to put out the blaze, while another group evacuated vehicles from the station and closed the entrance until the fire was brought under control.

The van then caught fire again after the vehicle had been moved away from the station, Mr Kazim said. Civil defence arrived and extinguished the fire, which burnt the vehicle entirely.

Mr Kazim praised the station staff’s handling of the incident, saying that it prevented a possible disaster. The number of fire incidents increase in high temperatures, and vehicles that lack proper maintenance or that have fake parts pose a greater risk.

He urged motorists to observe safety requirements while refilling at petrol stations by refraining from smoking, turning off engines, ensuring the hose is removed from the vehicle before driving away, and avoiding leaving cars running while shopping at stations.

A vehicle fire at an Enoc petrol station in Dubai late last month was said to be likely caused by a poorly maintained car.