UAE: Cars catch fire from heat August 2

Event

UAE Police have urged residents to carry out regular maintenance work on their vehicles after two cars caught fire on Wednesday, July 2. One of the fires occurred in a car parked in a parking lot in Umm al-Quwain and the other in a minibus traveling on the highway from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.  No injuries were reported in either incident, and all 27 passengers on the minibus were rescued. The fires are thought to have been caused by high temperatures, reaching up to 50°C (122°F) in the summer.

Advice

Individuals in the UAE are advised to carry out regular maintenance of vehicles (with specialized technicians), monitor vehicle water and temperature levels, and avoid smoking inside vehicles. Additionally, when refueling, turn off the engine and tightly close the fuel cap. Do not leave flammable materials inside of cars.

Furthermore, individuals in the UAE during the summer are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, to remain well-hydrated (with sugar-free, non-alcoholic beverages), to wear loose, light-colored clothing, and to remain indoors during the hottest part of the day (generally between 10:00 and 15:00). Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if displaying symptoms of heatstroke (headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, lack of sweating despite high heat, rapid heartbeat, etc.).