Rescue workers have prepared a series of recommendations for drivers to avoid such situations. First and foremost, the Emergency Department of East Kazakhstan (ДЧС ВКО) advises always having a fire extinguisher in the car.
"It is important to keep an eye on the expiration date, meaning you should recharge it in time. The fire extinguisher should be placed in an easily accessible location, not 'at the bottom of a cluttered trunk.' This way, you won't waste time searching for it when you need to put out a fire," – noted the department.
If your vehicle catches fire while driving, it is advised to stop as quickly as possible, turn off the ignition, and remove the key from the lock, while also engaging the handbrake. Everyone should exit the vehicle and immediately call "101" or "112."
"Open the hood using the lever from the inside, and retrieve the fire extinguisher. If flames or thick smoke are pouring from under the hood, do not fully open it – this could provoke an influx of oxygen and cause the fire to spread rapidly. Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the gap between the hood and the radiator grille to extinguish the flames. Wear gloves, fully open the hood, and completely put out the fire, then disconnect the battery terminals to prevent re-ignition," – advise the rescuers.
The ДЧС ВКО warns that to protect your vehicle from fire, it is essential to closely monitor the technical condition of the car and carry out maintenance on time. During the winter months, avoid using homemade heating devices, heating elements, or blowtorches for warmth.
As specified, there were 116 vehicle fires in East Kazakhstan in 2024.
Earlier, it was reported that a car carrier caught fire on the highway in the Zhambyl region.