3 vehicles gutted in Ras Al Khaimah fire incidents

Ras Al Khaimah - This is the fifth car blaze incident in one week.

Three vehicles gutted in fire in separate incidents in Ras Al Khaimah, taking the number of car blaze incidents to five in one week.
The latest three incidents occurred at the Al Uraibi, Al Nakheel, and Khor Khweir areas where two cars and a heavy truck went up on flames.
Firefighters from the Ras Al Khaimah Police managed to put out the fires, said Captain Abdullah bin Yaqoob, head of corporate communications at the RAK Civil Defence. "The blazes destroyed the contents of all the three vehicles."
Captain Bin Yaqoob told Khaleej Times that water and foam were used in extinguishing the fire, cooling down the vehicles and preventing the flames from spreading to nearby cars and properties. "However, no casualties were reported in any of the incidents."
"Investigations are underway to identify the reasons behind the fires, while the incidents were reported to the bodies concerned for legal action."
A few days back, the civil defence firefighters managed to put out other two fires that erupted in two separate vehicles. "The flames have destroyed parts of the two vehicles, yet with no human casualties."
Recently, a brand-new Nissan Patrol car was also destroyed in a big fire at Al Dheit area in Ras Al Khaimah, as per a video that went viral on social media. The Emirati owner of the car was heard saying he just brought the car from the garage after some repairs.".
Captain Bin Yaqoob attributed the recent car fires to poor maintenance of the vehicles.
Some drivers ignore regular services, he said, adding that they are reluctant to change worn-out or damaged parts, and that mostly ends in petrol or oil leak and then fire incidents.
"Each car contains several inflammable parts that need to be taken care of regularly. Thermal sources including electric network, engine heat, spark plugs and exhaust, also need to be observed," said Captain Bin Yaqoob.
"Car fires are mainly caused by road accidents, fuel leak to thermal sources, oil and petrol exposure to high temperature, negligence of electrical and mechanical maintenance, exhaust pipe friction with the ground, arson and abnormal increase of engine heat."
He advised motorists to have regular checking of coolant water and engine oil, while having timely technical maintenance. "Closing fuel tank tightly prevents leakage and subsequent ignition. Stop smoking and switch off the engine while refueling the car."
Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it could be life-saving, he said.
"Having a first aids kit is also critical, while a hand torch is so helpful during night. A reflective safety triangle is highly recommended to warn other drivers about a road accident or breakdown."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah