What to Do If a Car Engine Is on Fire

If your car’s engine catches fire, pull over safely, shut off the engine, evacuate everyone immediately, move at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind, call emergency services, and do not open the hood. Engine fires can escalate in seconds; staying calm, creating distance, and letting firefighters handle it is the safest course of action. This article explains the essential steps, when an extinguisher can be used, special guidance for electric and hybrid vehicles, and how to prevent and handle the aftermath.

Immediate Actions to Take Safely

The following sequence prioritizes life safety and limits the fire’s oxygen supply while getting professional help on the way. Act quickly and deliberately.

1. Signal, pull over, and stop in a safe area away from traffic, buildings, and dry grass. Turn on hazard lights.
2. Shift into park, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine to cut fuel and electrical power.
3. Evacuate everyone immediately. Leave belongings behind. Help children, older adults, and pets first.
4. Move upwind and uphill if possible, at least 100 feet (30 meters) away; for EVs/hybrids, increase to 150–200 feet (50–60 meters).
5. Call emergency services (911 in the U.S., 112 in the EU, 999/112 in the U.K., or your local number). Provide your location, vehicle description, and note if it’s an EV/hybrid.
6. Warn others to stay back and do not use road flares; use hazard lights and reflective triangles if safe to place them.
7. Keep the hood closed. Opening it feeds the fire oxygen and can cause a flare-up.

Completing these steps quickly reduces risk of injury and gives firefighters the best chance to control the blaze without escalation.

Using a Fire Extinguisher: When and How

Only consider using an extinguisher if the fire is very small, you have a clear exit path, and you are trained and confident. Your safety comes first—many vehicle fires intensify rapidly.

• Use a multipurpose dry-chemical extinguisher rated ABC (at least 10B:C; 1–2.5 lb units are common in cars).
• Fight only small, incipient fires (e.g., wisps or a small flame) not spreading toward the fuel system or cabin.
• Stand upwind, maintain distance, and keep your back to a clear escape route.
• Do not open the hood fully; if you must, crack it slightly from the side and aim through the gap or grille toward the base of the flames.

If any doubt exists—heat is intense, flames are growing, smoke is thick, or fuel is leaking—evacuate and wait for firefighters.

If conditions are safe and you choose to use an extinguisher, the PASS technique is standard.

1. Pull the pin: This breaks the tamper seal.
2. Aim low: Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
3. Squeeze the handle: Discharge in short bursts to conserve agent.
4. Sweep side to side: Cover the base until the fire appears out; watch for re-ignition.

Even if flames subside, fire can re-ignite. Keep your distance, continue to monitor, and do not restart the vehicle. Firefighters should inspect the scene.

Special Guidance for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

High-voltage battery fires behave differently from gasoline fires and can re-ignite hours later. Treat any EV or hybrid fire with extra caution.

• Increase your standoff distance to 150–200 feet (50–60 meters). Battery thermal runaway can spread and emit toxic vapors.
• Do not attempt to access, cool, or dismantle the battery. Never cut orange high-voltage cables.
• Expect delayed ignition: A crash or impact can trigger fires minutes or hours later. Keep the vehicle isolated after an incident.
• Firefighters may apply large volumes of water to cool the battery; this is a professional operation and may take time.
• If smoke is white/grey and hissing from the battery area, back away further and notify dispatch specifically of a suspected battery fire.

Because EV battery fires require specialized tactics, your best action is rapid evacuation, accurate 911/112 reporting, and maintaining a wide safety perimeter.

What Not to Do Around a Vehicle Fire

These common mistakes increase danger to you and others. Avoid them completely.

• Do not open the hood fully or the trunk; you may create a dangerous flare-up.
• Do not use water on fuel, oil, or electrical fires—it can spread burning liquids and conduct electricity.
• Do not retrieve personal items. Seconds matter; prioritize life safety.
• Do not use road flares; vapors can ignite. Use hazard lights and reflective triangles instead.
• Do not crowd the vehicle or allow bystanders near; keep traffic away.
• Do not attempt makeshift repairs or disconnect the 12V battery under fire conditions.

Staying disciplined about these “don’ts” prevents escalation and protects bystanders and responders.

After the Fire: Next Steps

Once firefighters declare the scene safe, follow these steps to protect your health, document the incident, and begin recovery.

1. Seek medical evaluation for smoke inhalation or burns, even if symptoms seem mild.
2. Document the scene with photos and note the time, location, and any pre-fire symptoms (smell of fuel, smoke, warning lights).
3. Contact your insurer and provide the fire department report number if available.
4. Arrange a tow to a qualified facility; do not attempt to start or drive the vehicle.
5. Ask the repair facility and insurer about manufacturer involvement, recalls, or technical investigations.
6. If an EV/hybrid was involved, ensure the vehicle is stored in an isolated outdoor area per fire department guidance due to re-ignition risk.

Careful follow-up protects your claim, supports any safety investigation, and keeps you and others safe after the incident.

Prevention Tips

While not all vehicle fires are preventable, routine maintenance and vigilance significantly reduce risk.

• Fix fluid leaks promptly and keep the engine bay clean of oil and debris.
• Address electrical issues: blown fuses, flickering lights, burning smells, or frayed wiring.
• Heed warning lights (battery, temperature, oil pressure) and unusual smoke or odors; pull over and shut off the engine if they appear.
• Avoid overloading power outlets or using poor-quality aftermarket wiring or devices.
• Check for safety recalls and service campaigns; schedule recall repairs quickly.
• Carry a small ABC extinguisher (10B:C or higher), reflective triangles, and gloves—and know how to use them.
• For EVs/hybrids, follow manufacturer service intervals and collision inspection guidance for high-voltage systems.

Proactive care minimizes risk and gives you tools to respond effectively if a problem starts.

Frequently Asked Clarifications

How far should I keep others away?

At least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind for conventional vehicles; 150–200 feet (50–60 meters) for EVs/hybrids due to potential thermal runaway and toxic gases.

Is it safe to pop the hood to spray the extinguisher?

Only crack it slightly from the side to aim at the base of small flames. Fully opening the hood can cause rapid flare-ups. If unsure, evacuate and wait for firefighters.

What if the fire starts in a garage or tunnel?

Shut off the engine, evacuate immediately, activate the nearest alarm if available, call emergency services, and warn others to stay back. Do not attempt to move the vehicle once fire is evident.

Summary

If your car engine is on fire, pull over safely, shut off the engine, evacuate, move upwind and away, call emergency services, and keep the hood closed. Use an ABC extinguisher only for very small fires when you have a clear escape route. For EVs and hybrids, increase your standoff distance and let professionals handle the battery. After the incident, seek medical evaluation, document the scene, contact your insurer, and arrange professional inspection. Preventive maintenance and vigilance are your best defenses against vehicle fires.

Can you put water on a car engine fire?

Do Not Use Water: Pouring water on an engine fire, especially if it involves flammable liquids like gasoline or oil, can spread the fire or cause a violent reaction.

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 happens if a car engine catches fire?

Call 911 or have another motorist make the call to get emergency services on their way as soon as possible. Attempt to put out the fire only if you have clear access to the source from outside the car, have a suitable fire extinguisher, know how to use it correctly, and can maintain a safe distance away from the car.

What to do if an engine is on fire?

If your engine catches fire, you should immediately pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and evacuate everyone from the vehicle to at least 100 feet away, preferably upwind. Do not open the hood or trunk, and call 911 to report the fire. Only attempt to put out a small, localized fire with a suitable fire extinguisher if you are trained and have a clear path to the source, otherwise leave it to the professionals.
 
1. Pull Over Safely and Shut Off the Engine 

• Pull over: to a safe location, away from other traffic and potential hazards. 
• Turn off the engine: to stop the flow of fuel and power to the vehicle’s electrical components. 
• Activate your hazard lights: to alert other drivers. 

2. Evacuate and Move Away 

• Get everyone out: of the car quickly and move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle. 
• Stay upwind: of the fire to avoid inhaling toxic smoke. 
• Do not return: to the vehicle for any personal belongings. 

3. Call for Emergency Services

• Call 911: to get professional help on the way. 
• Do not attempt to extinguish the fire: yourself unless it is small, you have the correct fire extinguisher, and you have a clear, safe path to the source of the flame. 

4. What NOT to Do

• Do not open the hood or trunk; the introduction of air can cause the fire to flare up and spread. 
• Do not stay near the vehicle: where explosions from exploding components or the fuel tank could occur. 
• Do not delay: in getting yourself and others to safety; your life is more important than any property.