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us 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 USA guide

Short answer

Pull over as quickly as you safely can, turn off the vehicle, and get everyone out. Move at least 100 feet away and well away from traffic, then call 911 and do not return to the vehicle.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep driving once you can safely stop.
  • Do not approach a vehicle that is already showing flames.
  • Do not open the hood or trunk if fire may be inside.
  • Do not return for a phone, documents, bags, pets, or other belongings.
  • Do not try to fight the vehicle fire yourself.
  • Do not remain in smoke or stand in or close to moving traffic.
  • Do not touch exposed wires, damaged batteries, fuel containers, or other vehicle components.

What to do now

  1. If you are driving, pull over as quickly as conditions safely allow. If the vehicle is already stopped and showing flames, stay outside and move away.
  2. Turn off the engine or vehicle power once stopped, provided this does not delay your exit.
  3. Get everyone out immediately. Help children and anyone who needs assistance, but leave belongings behind.
  4. Move everyone at least 100 feet from the vehicle and well away from traffic. If smoke is moving toward you, move farther away and upwind when you can do so without entering traffic or approaching the vehicle.
  5. Call 911 from the safer location. Give the location, describe the fire, and say whether anyone is trapped, burned, injured, or having trouble breathing.
  6. Tell the dispatcher whether the vehicle is electric, hybrid, gasoline, diesel, propane-powered, or carrying fuel cylinders if you already know. Do not return to check.
  7. Keep other people away without approaching the vehicle. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions and do not hang up until told to do so.
  8. Remain at a safe distance until emergency responders arrive. Move farther away if heat, smoke, debris, or traffic threatens your position.

What can wait

Insurance calls, towing, photographs, retrieving belongings, checking recalls, identifying the cause, and deciding whether the vehicle can be repaired can wait. Do not approach the vehicle until emergency responders have controlled the incident and told you where it is safe to stand.

Important reassurance

Getting out, moving away, and calling 911 are the useful actions. Smaller or disappearing flames do not confirm that the vehicle is safe, so continuing to keep your distance is appropriate.

Scope note

This guide covers only the first actions during a vehicle fire. Medical follow-up, towing, insurance, repairs, recall checks, and decisions about the vehicle may require qualified professional help after the emergency is controlled.

Important note

This is general emergency-safety information, not medical, legal, insurance, mechanical, or other professional advice. Follow instructions from 911 call-takers and emergency responders.

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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