UAE authorities warn of summer car fire risks amid record heat
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Car fire risk increases during UAE heatwave
United Arab Emirates authorities have renewed warnings about car fire risks following a rise in high-temperature-related incidents during the summer.
According to Gulf News, the Traffic Department at the UAE Ministry of Interior reported that 43 percent of vehicle fires in 2024 were directly linked to extreme heat.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai recorded 2,189 car fires last year during a heatwave that reached 52°C, the department said.
Authorities have highlighted the importance of fire extinguishers in vehicles, not just for legal compliance but as a life-saving measure.
The Abu Dhabi Police General Command has launched the “Safe Summer” campaign to raise awareness about these risks and advise on preventive steps.
Police campaign promotes heat safety
Abu Dhabi Police said the “Safe Summer” campaign aims to improve public understanding of how high temperatures can increase the risk of vehicle fires.
The initiative encourages vehicle owners to follow key safety steps including regular maintenance and removal of high-risk items from their cars.
According to campaign guidelines, items such as batteries, gas cylinders, pressurised containers and hand sanitisers should never be left inside a parked vehicle.
The campaign also recommends that drivers equip their cars with a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit and adhere to road safety laws.
Authorities said the campaign is part of an ongoing series of seasonal public safety initiatives led by the Abu Dhabi Police General Command.
Forensic experts identify risky items
The Ministry of Interior’s Forensic Evidence Department has issued specific warnings about items commonly linked to car fires during extreme heat.
The department said drivers should avoid storing six specific items in their vehicles: pressurised containers, batteries and power banks, hand sanitisers, perfumes, gas cylinders and lighters.
All of these materials are considered highly flammable and likely to ignite when exposed to direct sunlight or trapped heat inside vehicles.
Experts stated that many fire incidents stem from neglecting these simple precautions.
They emphasised that heat buildup inside parked vehicles can quickly create ignition conditions if flammable items are present.
Causes of vehicle fires
The Ministry of Interior has outlined several causes behind vehicle fires, urging drivers to maintain vigilance and service their cars regularly.
Common causes include electrical malfunctions due to faulty wiring, fuel leaks near ignition sources, and engine overheating resulting from poor maintenance.
Additional risks include traffic collisions that damage fuel or electrical systems, overheating exhaust systems, and the use of substandard or improperly installed parts.
The ministry said that early detection of faults and regular vehicle inspections can reduce the likelihood of fire incidents.
Drivers are also advised to monitor their cooling systems and avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day where possible.
Fire extinguisher guidance
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority said that every vehicle should be equipped with a suitable fire extinguisher as a preventative measure.
Dry powder extinguishers are the most widely used in cars due to their multi-purpose capabilities across different fire types.
Carbon dioxide and foam extinguishers may also be appropriate, depending on vehicle type and usage, the authority explained.
A 1–2 kg unit is generally considered sufficient for standard passenger vehicles.
Officials advised that fire extinguishers should be securely mounted, regularly maintained, and stored in accessible areas such as under the front seat or glove compartment.
Extinguishers stored in the trunk may be unreachable during emergencies, officials warned.
UAE authorities warn of summer car fire risks amid record heat: Summary
Gulf News has reported that authorities in the United Arab Emirates are warning drivers about an increase in car fires caused by extreme summer temperatures.
According to the UAE Ministry of Interior, 43 percent of vehicle fires in 2024 were linked to heat.
A total of 2,189 vehicle fires were reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai last year.
Abu Dhabi Police launched the “Safe Summer” campaign to promote vehicle safety practices.
Drivers are advised to avoid storing flammable items such as lighters and batteries in their cars.
The Ministry of Interior’s Forensic Evidence Department identified six common items that should never be left inside a vehicle.
Vehicle fire risks include faulty wiring, fuel leaks, overheating engines and collisions.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority recommends carrying a 1–2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers should be accessible, mounted securely and checked for expiry.
Police also advise drivers to maintain vehicles and avoid high-speed travel during peak heat.