Global Cry · Car emergency quick card
Vehicle Fire: What to Do
Stop safely. Get everyone out. Get well away. Call 999.
Emergency999 / 112Immediate danger / emergency services
When to get emergency help
Treat a vehicle fire as an emergency. Get people away from the vehicle and call 999.
Do this in order
Keep the sequence simple.
01
Warn and pull over
Switch on hazard warning lights and stop in the safest available place away from moving traffic where possible.
02
Secure and switch off
Apply the parking brake and switch off the engine.
03
Get everybody out
Move all occupants well away from the vehicle and traffic, preferably behind a barrier or to another safe position.
04
Call 999
Tell the fire service where you are, what is burning and whether anyone is injured or trapped.
05
Keep the bonnet closed
Do not open the bonnet to investigate a fire underneath it; opening it can feed the fire and expose you to heat and flame.
06
Stay away
Do not return for belongings. Wait for emergency services at a safe distance.
Do not
- Do not stay beside the vehicle.
- Do not open a bonnet over a suspected engine-bay fire.
- Do not go back for property.
- Do not put yourself between the burning vehicle and live traffic.
Details to collect when safe
Exact location
Vehicle registration
Insurer
Recovery provider
Police / fire reference
Recovery destination
Notes
After the immediate danger has passed
- Do not drive a fire-damaged vehicle unless it has been declared safe by an appropriate professional.
- Contact your insurer and recovery provider when safe to do so.