A seldom recognized part of America's fire problem is motor vehicle fires. 1 out of 5 fires and 1 out of 8 fire deaths, results from motor vehicle fires. Fires in motor vehicles can produce toxic gases. Automobiles, trucks, and other motor vehicles are made of many synthetic materials that emit harmful, if not deadly gases when they burn. A main by-product of fires is carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that causes death in high concentration.
Fire can cause fatal or debilitating burn injuries.
A vehicle fire can generate heat upwards of 1500 degrees' F. Keep in mind that water boils at 212F, and that most foods are cooked at temperatures of less than 500F. Flames from burning vehicles can often shoot out distances of 10 feet or more. Parts of the vehicle can burst because of heat, shooting debris great distances. Bumper and hatchback door struts, two-piece tire rims, magnesium wheels, drive shafts, grease seals, axle, and engine parts, all can become lethal shrapnel. Although relatively rare, gas tanks of motor vehicles can rupture and spray flammable fuel, posing a clear potential for serious injury. In even more extraordinary instances, gas tanks have been known to explode.