Iksan Fire Department Urges Caution Against Overheating and Overload Vehicle Fires in Summer

Frequent Inspection of Wiring, Fuel System, and Ignition Devices

Photo by Iksan Fire Station

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hong Jaehee] The Iksan Fire Station in Jeonbuk recently urged drivers to exercise special caution to prevent vehicle fires during the vacation season, when temperatures rise and vehicle movement increases amid hot weather.

According to the fire station on the 18th, a fire presumed to be caused by overheating and overload occurred on the 15th in a vehicle traveling on the industrial road between Jeonju and Iksan in Chunpo-myeon, Iksan, resulting in a total loss and property damage amounting to 3,465,000 KRW.

The reporter stated that while driving, they heard a popping sound from the engine room followed by smoke rising, which led them to report the incident.

The main causes of vehicle fires like this are electrical or fuel system abnormalities while driving or parked, and secondary accidents following traffic accidents caused by drowsiness, fatigue, or drunk driving.

Additionally, during summer, vehicles are always exposed to fire risks due to the hot engine, interior temperatures approaching 90℃ trapped in hot air, and the use of easily flammable fuels such as gasoline, LPG, and diesel.

Preventive measures for vehicle fires include ▲equipping vehicles with fire extinguishers ▲checking for fuel leaks and engine temperature gauges on the dashboard before driving ▲not leaving flammable items such as lighters inside the vehicle.

If a fire occurs while driving, turn on the hazard lights, stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, move at least 30 meters away, and immediately call 119.

Chief Jeon Mihee emphasized, “In the hot summer, the risk of vehicle fires due to engine overheating is high,” adding, “Regular vehicle inspections and adherence to preventive measures should be maintained at all times.”

Meanwhile, according to fire statistics from the Iksan Fire Station, vehicle fires accounted for about 12% (157 cases) of the 1,356 fires over the past five years (2015?2019).

Also, under current law, passenger cars with seven or more seats and light vans are required to carry vehicle fire extinguishers, and legislation is being promoted to expand mandatory installation of vehicle fire extinguishers to all vehicles, including five-seaters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.