Vehicle fire — Hawaii Permit Test

Vehicle fires usually come from an overheated engine, an electrical short, a fuel leak or an oil leak, so any burning odor should be investigated immediately.

A small smell of burning wire is the only warning before a fire behind the dashboard.

Any burning odor should be immediately investigated.

If fire occurs or is suspected, drive to a safe area clear of traffic, stop, and turn off the ignition and all other electrical switches.

Leaving the engine running keeps fuel and current flowing to the very place that is burning.

Turn the ignition switch and all other electrical switches off.

In a vehicle fire, get all occupants out of and away from the vehicle and off the roadway, because poisonous fumes may fill the vehicle quickly.

Smoke from burning plastic can knock out a passenger who stays inside to grab a bag.

Poisonous fumes may rapidly fill the vehicle.

A small vehicle fire can be smothered with a fire extinguisher, dirt, sand or a blanket; do not use water on gasoline, oil or electrical fires.

Water spreads burning gasoline across the ground and can carry current from a wiring fire.

DO NOT USE WATER ON GASOLINE, OIL, OR ELECTRICAL FIRES.

If a large gasoline or oil fire develops, do not try to put it out; seek assistance.

A driver who fights a big fuel fire with a hand extinguisher can be caught when the tank goes.

If a large gasoline or oil fire develops, you might not be able to extinguish it.

What should you do about a burning odor in your vehicle?

Look into it right away. A small smell of burning wire is the only warning before a fire behind the dashboard. State of Hawaii Driver’s Manual, p.84: “Any burning odor should be immediately investigated.”