Information material

159 fires occurred in two months of the current year in the Vitebsk region, which is 10.4% more than in the same period last year. However, the number of people killed in fires decreased by 36.4% and amounted to 14 people, while another 17 people were injured.

Among the causes of fires, the leading position is occupied by violation of the rules for the design and operation of electrical networks and electrical equipment – 56 fires (an increase of 24.4%). 6 fewer fires occurred due to violation of the rules for the design and operation of stoves and other heat-generating devices – 50 fires (an increase of 35.1%). And the "leaders" are rounded off by careless handling of fire – 41 fires (a decrease of 26.8%).

The increase in the number of fires of vehicles and mobile equipment is alarming – compared to the same period last year, the growth was 46.4% and amounted to 19 fires.

In 18 cases, the cause of vehicle fires was the emergency operation of electrical equipment. But this does not mean that other causes can be disregarded. Therefore, one should be very careful about installing gas cylinder equipment, as well as heating systems; they should only be installed in specialized service centers. Also, when operating such equipment, all safety requirements specified by the manufacturer must be observed. Another of the most common causes of fires is the poor-quality installation of additional electrical and heating equipment (engine pre-start heating systems, such as Webasto, Gidronik, remote start systems, alarms, cabin fan heaters, seat heaters, steering wheel heaters, etc.) of cars. Such systems must be installed in specialized service centers with qualified specialists.

In addition, to avoid a fire in the car:

- undergo maintenance on time;

- never refuel with the engine running, do not transport gasoline in plastic canisters (plastic accumulates static electricity, which can cause gasoline to ignite), and do not use open flames in close proximity to flammable and combustible liquids;

- if light bulbs or fuses frequently burn out in your car, do not wait, immediately take the car to a service center for an electrician's inspection; this may be a consequence of a short circuit, which can cause a fire;

- monitor your car's fuel hoses - any wire under the hood must be thoroughly insulated.

- monitor the condition of the gas equipment if it is installed in your car - in case of a gas smell, contact a specialist immediately;

- do not recharge batteries directly on vehicles;
- do not heat engines with open flames (bonfires, torches, blowtorches), and do not use open sources of fire for lighting.
If a car fire does occur:

- stop the car and turn off the engine, and have passengers exit the car, taking their documents and belongings;

- apply the parking brake;

- report the incident by calling 101 or 112;

- while waiting for rescuers, try to extinguish the fire yourself. If you have a fire extinguisher, slightly open the hood and insert the nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the resulting gap and try to extinguish the flames as much as possible. Then open the hood and disconnect the car's power by removing the battery terminals. Remember that the metal may already be hot.

- after the car has been de-energized, you can use improvised means to extinguish the fire - sand, water, snow, or cover it with a dense cloth.

- if the fire has engulfed the rear of the car where the fuel tank is located, move away from the car quickly and as far as possible.

Observe safety rules. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.