7 cars burst into flames in scorching UAE heat

Seven cars have caught fire in two months due to the blazing heat in Umm Al Quwain.

On Wednesday morning, a massive fire broke out in a saloon car on Etihad Road in Hadath area, thanks to the sweltering mercury.
 
Col Hassan Ali Mohammed bin Sarm, director of the UAQ civil defence department, said the car suddenly went up in flames though it was parked and was not operating.

The central operations room of the UAQ Police was alerted about the blaze around 10.30am. A traffic police, ambulances, paramedics and rescue teams were dispatched to the site. The civil defence firefighters first evacuated all the nearby shops and cordoned off the entire place.

"The firefighters managed to put out the fire before it could spread to nearby shops and outlets, and no injuries were reported," he added.

Investigations are on to ascertain the reasons behind the fire, Col Bin Sarm said. "The case has been referred to the legal authorities concerned for legal action."

A few days back, a massive fire broke out in a heavy truck close to the Umm Al Thawb industrial area. The vehicle caught fire after the driver lost control over the steering wheel. It veered off Etihad Road and turned over several times.

In July, a four-wheel-drive car was gutted in a fire in a house at the Salma residential area. The fire was triggered by scorching summer temperatures.

The same month, a heavy truck caught fire and completely charred on Emirates Road apparently due to heat.

On June 30, a four-wheel-drive car was reduced to ashes in the industrial area as the blazing heat took a toll.

On June 26, two cars were destroyed in a heat-related fire at the Old Umm Al Quwain city.

Col Hassan Ali Mohammed bin Sarm has called on all drivers to carry out regular maintenance service, particularly in summer, and check any possible fuel or oil leaks which are mostly blamed for such fires.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com