The number of vehicles catching fire last year reached record levels, with more than 40 fires occurring every day in the UK.
Data compiled exclusively from a GB News investigation shows that there were a total of 14,920 vehicle fires last year, which is almost 41 per day.
Vehicle fires have a huge impact on traffic and cause major disruptions on the road, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians. Fighting a fire takes time and energy from the emergency services who have to act quickly to extinguish the flames.
What is most shocking from the researchtie is the huge number of fires that were deliberately started.
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FOI data shows that 5,000 fires were deliberately started
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The data showed that overall, in the UK, around a third of all fires were started deliberately. Although vehicle fires can be started accidentally due to engine failure, this does not appear to be the case.
More than 5,000 fires were deliberately set, 365 of which occurred in Northern Ireland alone.
The fires were caused by a oversupply by electricityto the vehicle or Through physicallyly relief thevehicle on the right trackaccording to the Northern Ireland Police.
Other methods included fuel tampering, use of chemicals and spreading via a second vehicle fire.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported the most fires of any region, with 3,954 fires on local roads and 300 deliberately caused. This means that the area of South West England is seeing an average of more than 10 car fires a day.
Elsewhere, National Highways reported the second highest number at 2,421, while Northern Ireland recorded 1,881.
Nottingham Fire Brigade reported that there were a total of 128 car fires between January and December last year.
Of these cases, 53 were recorded as being caused by a person, while 60 were recorded as being ‘unknown’.
Fires on UK roads could take more than 24 hours to extinguish
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The Hampshire Fire Brigade recorded fires caused by the ‘careless disposal’ of flammable substances in the car or by a defect in equipment or appliances.
Faulty fuel supplies for both petrol and diesel vehicles were responsible for 18 vehicle fires, but 53 incidents occurred due to electricity Fattacks within battery electric vehicles.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service explained that keeping your car serviced and MOT up to date reduces the risk of a car fire. Most fires dealt with by the service could be “prevented with regular car maintenance”.
It was explained: “You can reduce the risk of a car fire by carrying out some simple checks before travelling.
“Your vehicle manual or a reputable garage can tell you about small things to look out for, such as checking oil, tire and coolant levels. Do not Ignore warning lights – these are early indicators of a potential problem.”
When we look at the data from a more nuanced perspective, it is striking that one car manufacturer appears most often in reports on car fires: the German car brand BMW.
Since 2017, BMW has been forced to recall more than 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 based on concerns that the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater could cause a short circuit, which in very rare cases could increase the risk of fire.
Last year there were 116 car fires involving Ford models
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The recall has caused such concern that the British parliament has launched an investigation. In written evidence, BMW said it takes its responsibilities as a vehicle manufacturer “extremely seriously”, particularly when it comes to the safety of its customers and products.
The text read: “We continuously monitor the safety performance of our products on the market and follow up on observations regarding safety.”
We work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our customers and that of other road users.”
Meanwhile, Ford came in second with 116 vehicle fires, with the West Midlands recording the most fires for this make.
A National Highways spokesperson explained that vehicle fires represent only a small proportion of the incidents the organisation deals with.
In 2023, the agency handled more than 290,000 incidents on the strategic road network, of which less than one percent represented vehicle fires.
A spokesperson added: “Safety is our priority and at times temporary lane and road closures are necessary while firefighters arrive, assess the fire and begin extinguishing it.
“TThe intensity and duration of larger fires involving trucks may mean that the road surface will need to be repaved after the fire is extinguished and the vehicle has been removed.”
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All vehicle types can be at risk of causing a car fire
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National Highways issued advice to drivers stating that if a motorist is in a vehicle that has been hit by fire, they should attempt to pull to the left and out of the traffic. Drivers should exit the vehicle and drive away before calling emergency services.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade told GB News that while car fires are relatively rare, they “can be extremely dangerous”.
Petrol and diesel are highly flammable fuels. The lithium-ion batteries in electric cars can also ignite quickly and violently.
“Anyone who encounters a suspected car fire should call 999 immediately,” the Brigade advised.