The number of vehicles catching fire last year hit a record high, with more than 40 fires happening across the UK every day.
Figures obtained exclusively from a GB News investigation found there were a total of 14,920 vehicle fires last year, which equates to almost 41 every day.
Vehicle fires have a huge impact on traffic and cause major problems on the roads, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians. Dealing with a fire requires time and energy from emergency responders who quickly try to control the flames.
What is most shocking about the investigationher Yippee a huge number fires that were started intentionally.
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FOI figures found 5,000 fires were set deliberately
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The data found that, overall, around a third of all fires in the UK were set deliberately. While a vehicle fire could be caused accidentally due to an engine failure, it does not appear to be the case.
More than 5,000 fires were set deliberately, with 365 fires taking place in Northern Ireland alone.
Fires were started through excessive supply of electricityto the vehicle or according to physically lighting andvehicle in flamesaccording to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Other methods including fuel handling, use of chemicals or spread from a secondary vehicle fire were key contributors.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported the most fires of any region, with 3,954 started on nearby roads and 300 caused deliberately. This means there are on average more than 10 car fires every day in the South West England area.
Elsewhere, National Highways reported the second highest number with 2,421, while 1,881 were recorded in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service explained that there were a total of 128 accidental car fires between January and December last year.
Of these cases, 53 were recorded as being initiated by a person, while 60 were recorded as “unknown”.
Fires on UK roads can take more than 24 hours to tackle
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Hampshire Fire Service has seen fires caused by the “negligent disposal” of flammable items in a car or due to faulty equipment or appliances.
Defective fuel supply in both petrol and diesel cars was responsible for 18 vehicle fires, but 53 accidents were due to electricity Faultin battery electric vehicles.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service explained that keeping your car service and MOT up to date will reduce the risk of a car fire. Most fires attended by the emergency services are “preventable with regular car maintenance”.
It explained: “You can reduce the risk of a car fire by carrying out a few simple checks before your journey.
“Your vehicle’s handbook or a reputable garage can recommend little things to look for, such as checking the oil, tire and coolant levels. No ignore the warning lights – these are the first indicators of a potential problem.”
When looking at the data in more detail, there was one car company that appeared the most in reports of vehicle fires – the German car brand BMW.
Since 2017, BMW has been forced to recall over a million models due to a potential fire risk. The automaker has recalled a number of vehicles built between 2006 and 2013, including the 1 Series, 3 Series, X3, 5 Series, X5 and 2022 Z4 models.
The recall was due to concerns that the positive crankcase valve heater could short out and in very rare cases could increase the risk of fire.
Ford models were responsible for 116 vehicle fires last year
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The appeal caused so much concern that it led to the British Parliament launching an inquiry. In written evidence submitted, 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 said: “We continuously monitor the safety performance of our products in the market and follow up on safety observations.”
We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our customers and other road users.”
Meanwhile, Ford placed second 116 vehicle fires, with the West Midlands seeing the most for this brand.
A National Highways spokesman explained that vehicle fires represent a small number of incidents they attend to.
In 2023, the agency dealt with more than 290,000 incidents on the strategic road network, with vehicle fires accounting for less than one percent.
The spokesman added: “Safety is our priority and sometimes temporary lane and road closures are necessary while firefighters arrive, assess and tackle the fire.
“TThe intensity and duration of larger fires involving heavy goods vehicles may mean resurfacing is necessary after the fire is extinguished and the vehicle removed.”
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All types of vehicles can be at risk of fire
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The National Highways Corporation offered advice to drivers, saying if a motorist is in a vehicle affected by the fire, try to pull to the left and out of the way of moving traffic. Drivers should exit the vehicle and move away before calling the emergency services.
A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade told GB News that although car fires are relatively rare, they “can be extremely dangerous”.
Gasoline and diesel are highly flammable fuels, while lithium batteries in electric cars are known to burn quickly and intensely.
“Anyone who comes across a suspected car fire should call 999 immediately,” the brigade suggested.