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How to stay safe if your car catches fire

Posted at 6:50 PM, Mar 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-14 07:28:46-04

LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Car fires has become more frequent in last couple of day on I-75 and they can be prevented.

There have been three car fires this week, all on I-75 South between Alico Rd. and Corkscrew Road exits.

“You certainly want to pull over as quick and safely as possibly, we want to get out of the vehicle,” said Lieutenant Greg Bueno, Florida Highway Patrol.

Lieutenant Greg Bueno says after you pull over immediately call 911.

“If it’s something that is small and can be extinguished by yourself and you feel safe in doing so, you can do that,” said Bueno.

Lt. Bueno says this could all be prevented if you get your car serviced regularly.

“Every car that comes in our shop we give it a complete safety check, physical you may say, we generally let them know more about their vehicle than they want to know,” said Mick Brandon, owner, Cypress Lake Tire and Auto.

Brandon says car fires are usually caused by oil and fuel leaks so it’s important to get your car serviced every 3 months or 3,000 miles.

“Our whole purpose is off course we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Bueno.

When you’re driving on the road you might be curious to look and see what’s going on, but Lt. Bueno says to focus on your driving so you don’t get distracted.