What to do if your vehicle catches fire under the hood

Pull over safely, stop the engine, evacuate everyone, move at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind, call emergency services, and do not open the hood. Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small, you’re trained, and you can spray through the grille or a small gap without lifting the hood. This guidance prioritizes your safety and aligns with recommendations from fire-safety authorities.

How to recognize an under-hood fire early

Early warning signs can give you precious seconds to get off the road and away from danger. Pay attention to the vehicle’s behavior, smells, and visual cues, especially after a collision or repair.

• Smoke or steam from the edges of the hood or from wheel wells
• Sharp, acrid odors (burning plastic, rubber, or electrical insulation)
• Warning lights, sudden loss of power, or engine overheating
• Popping or crackling sounds from the engine bay
• Flames visible near the grille or underbody

If you notice these signs, assume a fire risk and act immediately—stopping early and exiting quickly is safer than waiting for confirmation.

Immediate steps to take

Once you suspect or see fire under the hood, your objective is to get everyone to safety and alert responders. The following sequence helps reduce risk from flames, smoke, toxic gases, and potential explosions from pressurized components.

1. Signal and pull over promptly to a safe area, away from traffic, buildings, dry grass, or fuel sources. Avoid stopping in tunnels or under bridges if you can safely continue a short distance.
2. Shift to Park, apply the parking brake, turn off the engine, and switch on hazard lights. Turning the engine off can cut fuel and electrical power.
3. Evacuate all occupants immediately. Do not retrieve belongings. Keep everyone at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind and uphill if possible.
4. Call emergency services (911 or your local emergency number) and provide your exact location, vehicle type (gas, diesel, hybrid, or EV), and visible conditions.
5. If it’s safe and you’re on a highway, place reflective triangles or flares well behind the vehicle to warn traffic—only if you can do so without approaching the fire or standing in traffic.

These actions reduce the chance of injury from fast-moving fires, which can intensify suddenly as components fail or flammable vapors ignite.

If you consider using a fire extinguisher

Most civilian-size extinguishers are meant for very small fires. Only attempt this if the fire is small and contained, you feel confident, and you can maintain a clear escape path. Use a multipurpose ABC or BC extinguisher rated for flammable liquids and electrical fires.

1. Stay back 6–8 feet (2–3 meters), position yourself upwind, and keep the hood closed. Do not lift the hood—introducing oxygen can trigger a flash fire.
2. Aim through the grille, wheel well, or a small gap, not by opening the hood.
3. Use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the flames, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
4. Stop if the fire grows, re-ignites, approaches the cabin or fuel system, or if you feel unsafe. Evacuate and wait for firefighters.

Even if flames appear out, hot components can re-ignite. Continue to keep your distance and inform arriving responders of what you observed.

What not to do

Certain actions dramatically increase danger during a vehicle fire. Avoid the following to protect yourself and others nearby.

• Do not open the hood or trunk; adding air can cause a flare-up.
• Do not use water from a bottle or hose on fuel, oil, or energized electrical components. Use a proper extinguisher; firefighters will manage water application safely.
• Do not attempt repairs or to disconnect the battery once smoke or flames are present.
• Do not re-enter the vehicle for belongings.
• Do not park near structures or other vehicles if you suspect a fire; create space.

Staying hands-off and keeping distance until professionals arrive is often the safest choice, especially when flames are visible or smoke is heavy.

Special considerations for electric and hybrid vehicles

EV and hybrid fires can behave differently due to high-voltage systems and, rarely, battery thermal runaway. Most EV fires still originate in tires, interiors, or engine bays of hybrids—treat any fire with caution and share details with responders.

• Identify the vehicle as an EV or hybrid when calling 911; tell responders if it’s attached to a charger.
• Do not touch or cut bright orange high-voltage cables. Avoid the underbody near the battery pack.
• If the vehicle is charging, do not approach the charging port; use the station’s emergency stop only if it’s at a safe distance.
• Expect the possibility of re-ignition; keep clear even after flames subside.

Firefighters have specific tactics for high-voltage systems and may need extended cooling times. Your role is evacuation, notification, and maintaining a safe perimeter.

After the incident

Once emergency services have controlled the scene, follow these steps to protect your health, comply with authorities, and begin recovery.

• Do not attempt to restart or move the vehicle. Wait for professional towing and follow responder instructions.
• Seek medical evaluation for smoke inhalation or burns, even if symptoms seem mild.
• Notify your insurance provider and document the scene with photos from a safe distance, if permitted.
• For EVs/hybrids, inform the tow operator and storage facility about high-voltage risks; outdoor isolation may be required to mitigate re-ignition risk.
• Arrange a qualified inspection before any repairs or salvage decisions.

Proper post-incident handling helps prevent secondary injuries and supports safe, accurate assessment of the vehicle’s condition.

Prevention tips

While not all fires are preventable, maintenance and safe habits reduce risk. Integrate these practices into routine ownership and driving.

• Keep up with regular servicing; address fluid leaks, frayed wiring, burning smells, or warning lights immediately.
• Store a charged ABC extinguisher within reach of the driver—not buried in the trunk.
• Avoid aftermarket wiring shortcuts; use fused circuits and professional installers.
• Keep the engine bay free of debris and oily residues; ensure battery terminals are clean and secure.
• Park away from dry vegetation after high-load driving; hot exhaust components can ignite grass.
• For EVs/hybrids, follow manufacturer charging guidance and recall notices; keep software and hardware recalls up to date.

Proactive care and readiness can limit fire risk and improve outcomes if an incident occurs.

Summary

If your vehicle catches fire under the hood: pull over safely, switch off the engine, evacuate immediately, move at least 100 feet upwind, and call emergency services. Keep the hood closed and only use an appropriate extinguisher on a very small fire from a safe distance. For EVs/hybrids, alert responders to the vehicle type and stay clear due to potential high-voltage and re-ignition risks. Above all, prioritize people over property and wait for trained firefighters to handle the scene.

What should you do if a fire breaks out under the hood?

If you see a fire under your car’s hood, immediately pull over safely, turn off the engine, and get everyone out of the vehicle at least 100 feet away from the car and traffic. Do not open the hood, as this provides oxygen and can make the fire worse. Call 911 as soon as you are at a safe distance to get professional help.
 
Before You Do Anything Else

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can lead to mistakes. Take a moment to assess the situation. 
2. Pull Over Safely: Find a safe spot to pull over to the side of the road, away from traffic and other dangers. 
3. Turn Off the Engine: Turn the engine off immediately to cut off the flow of fuel. 
4. Turn On Hazard Lights: Alert other drivers to your situation by activating your hazard lights. 

Do NOT Open the Hood

• Do not open the hood: because it will allow oxygen to enter and feed the flames, potentially causing them to intensify rapidly. 
• Do not go back for personal belongings. 

Move to Safety

1. Evacuate Everyone: Get all occupants out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. 
2. Maintain Distance: Move at least 100 feet (about 30 yards) away from the burning vehicle. 

Call for Help

1. Call 911: Once you are a safe distance away, call 911. 
2. Provide Details: Give the 911 operator your location and describe that it is a car fire. 

Should you open the hood if your engine is on fire?

Turn the engine off. Get everyone out of the car and stay at least 100 feet away. Don’t open the hood. Flames could flare up.

What to do if your car engine catches fire?

• Stay Calm : Keep a clear head to make quick decisions.
• Pull Over Safely : If possible, steer your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or a safe area away from traffic.
• Turn Off the Engine : Immediately turn off the ignition to stop fuel flow.
• Evacuate the Vehicle
• Call for Help

Why would a car catch fire under the hood?

Low coolant levels, oil leaks, or radiator leaks can cause a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends not opening the car’s hood if you think there is a fire, as doing so could cause the flames to grow.