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uk Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
your vehicle catches fire or you see flames

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

If your vehicle is on fire inside a road tunnel, follow tunnel signs and announcements and, where possible and safe, drive out of the tunnel before stopping; if you cannot, stop as directed and evacuate by the signed route. Otherwise, if your vehicle is moving, signal and stop as safely and promptly as you can. Once stopped, switch on the hazard lights, turn off the engine, get everyone out if it is safe to do so, move well away from the vehicle and traffic, and call 999 asking for the fire service.

Do not do these things

  • Do not open the bonnet or any compartment where you suspect the fire is burning.
  • Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment.
  • Do not approach flames, thick smoke or a growing fire.
  • Do not return to the vehicle for belongings once you are safely out.
  • Do not stand between the vehicle and approaching traffic.
  • Do not cross live traffic lanes to reach a barrier or another location.
  • Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway.
  • Do not make a phone call while driving.
  • Do not restart or approach the vehicle unless the emergency services say it is safe.

What to do now

  1. If the vehicle is on fire inside a road tunnel, follow tunnel signs and announcements and, where possible and safe, drive out of the tunnel before stopping. If that is not possible, stop as directed, switch off the engine or ignition and evacuate by the signed route. Otherwise, if you are driving, signal, slow down smoothly and stop as soon as you safely can; on a motorway or other high-speed road, move left towards an emergency area, hard shoulder or another place of relative safety if one is immediately reachable.
  2. Apply the parking brake, switch off the engine or ignition and turn on the hazard lights.
  3. Get everyone out through the safest door, preferably the side furthest from traffic. Leave possessions behind and do not delay anyone while collecting items.
  4. Move well away from the vehicle, moving traffic and smoke. Get behind a safety barrier if one is present and safely reachable without crossing a live lane, and keep children under close control.
  5. If you cannot leave the vehicle without stepping into moving traffic, call 999 immediately from inside, say that the vehicle is on fire and follow the operator’s instructions.
  6. Call 999 and ask for the fire service. Give the road name or number, direction of travel, nearest junction, marker post, driver location sign or landmark, and say whether anyone is trapped, injured or missing.
  7. Tell the operator if you know that the vehicle is electric, hybrid, carrying gas cylinders or carrying hazardous goods. Do not approach it to check. Tell them if a person or animal remains inside.
  8. If you see another vehicle burning, do not stop in a live lane or close to the smoke. A passenger can call 999, or the driver should stop somewhere safe before calling.
  9. Tell the operator immediately if anyone has difficulty breathing, has burns or may have inhaled smoke.
  10. Once safely away from the fire and traffic, cool a burn under clean, cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Do not use ice, creams, oils or butter.

What can wait

Insurance calls, breakdown recovery, photographs, finding the cause, arranging repairs, contacting a lease or finance company, organising onward travel and retrieving possessions can wait until the emergency services have made the area safe.

Important reassurance

Getting people out, keeping away from traffic and smoke, and calling 999 are the right priorities. Leaving the vehicle and possessions behind is a proportionate response when flames are visible.

Scope note

This guide covers the first safe actions during or immediately after a vehicle fire. Recovery, insurance, repairs, reporting requirements and later medical care may require help from the emergency services or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general safety and first-aid information, not medical, legal, mechanical or other professional advice. Follow instructions from the emergency services, especially where there are injuries, moving traffic, fuel, batteries or hazardous materials.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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