On January 18, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security website released data showing that the national motor vehicle保有量 reached 453 million, including 353 million cars, with new energy vehicles totaling 31.4 million. By the end of 2024, China's population was 1,408.28 million, averaging one car per four people. During vehicle use, fires often cause severe economic losses or casualties.

According to fire department statistics, the peak period for vehicle spontaneous combustion is from May to October each year, with car fires being the most common, accounting for over 40%; fires occurring while driving account for about 70%; and the main cause is short circuits, accounting for over 60%.

I. How Many Types of Vehicle Fire Accidents Are There?

1. Two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled electric vehicles

(1) On April 16, 2025, the Henan Fire Protection official account reported that a household electric four-wheeled vehicle in Xiayi County, Shangqiu City suddenly caught fire. After receiving the alarm, rescue personnel immediately rushed to the scene for disposal.

(2) Around 14:00 on May 25, 2025, the Nanchang Fire Protection official account reported that a low-speed electric vehicle fire occurred under the Hongteng Elevated Road in Qingyunpu District, Nanchang City. The electric vehicle was in motion when it caught fire, causing no casualties. The direct economic loss from the fire was approximately 1,100 yuan. The fire investigation determined that the cause was an electrical fault short circuit. The vehicle brand was Yadea, with original batteries, and it had been purchased within three years.

(3) On June 3, 2025, the Guizhou Fire Protection official account reported that in May, a total of 6 electric bicycle fires occurred in the province. By type, there were 3 two-wheeled electric bicycle fires, 1 three-wheeled electric bicycle fire, and 2 four-wheeled electric bicycle fires.

2. Fuel vehicle fire accidents

CCTV News reported that in 2024, the fire incidence rate for new energy vehicles decreased from 1.85 per 10,000 in 2021 to 0.96 per 10,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, the fire rate for fuel vehicles was around 1.5 per 10,000. Additionally, according to statistics from the National Fire and Rescue Administration, there were 18,360 spontaneous combustion incidents of fuel vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. Based on the fuel vehicle ownership of 317.71 million at that time, the fire rate was 0.58 per 10,000.

2. Combustion and Spontaneous Combustion

1. Combustion is a chemical reaction that releases heat and light, usually accompanied by phenomena such as flames, luminescence, and smoke. Combustion requires three essential conditions: combustible material, an oxidizer (combustion-supporting agent), and an ignition source (energy), commonly referred to as the "three elements of combustion." Based on the conditions of formation and instantaneous characteristics, combustion is generally classified into four types: ignition, spontaneous combustion, flash combustion, and explosion.

2. Spontaneous combustion refers to the phenomenon where, without the direct action of an external ignition source such as sparks or flames, a combustible material heats up due to external heat or its own reactions, accumulates heat, leading to a continuous temperature rise and self-ignition.

Spontaneous combustion can be divided into two forms: chemical spontaneous combustion and thermal spontaneous combustion. ① Chemical spontaneous combustion. This type of ignition usually does not require external heating but occurs at room temperature due to its own chemical reactions, hence it is conventionally called chemical spontaneous combustion. Examples include matches igniting by friction, explosives exploding upon impact, sodium metal spontaneously combusting in air, and coal spontaneously combusting due to excessive stacking. ② Thermal spontaneous combustion. If a mixture of combustible material and oxidizer is preheated uniformly, as the temperature rises, the mixture will automatically ignite when heated to a certain temperature. This ignition method is conventionally called thermal spontaneous combustion.

3. Classification of causes of vehicle fires

1. Electrical system: Fires caused by electrical faults such as short circuits, overcurrent, or poor contact in vehicle electrical wiring or equipment.

2. Fuel system: Fires caused by leaks of vehicle fuels, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and other oils.

3. Exhaust system: Fires caused by high-temperature exhaust pipes coming into contact with combustible materials.

4. Braking system: Brake system malfunctions or abnormal use leading to tire fires on large trucks.

5. Mechanical failure: Engine water ingress early on, or repairs and defects causing connecting rods to break and puncture the cylinder wall, resulting in oil leakage that ignites and causes a fire.

6. Arson and other factors: Fires caused by intentional arson, leftover ignition sources, setting off firecrackers, or external ignition sources igniting the vehicle.

7. Thermal runaway of high-voltage circuits in new energy vehicles: New energy vehicles contain multiple high-voltage components, wiring harnesses, connectors, etc. In addition to traditional fire causes, the ignition causes are more complex. Battery systems, power distribution systems, and high-voltage harnesses may cause fire accidents when issues such as overcharging, over-discharging, internal short circuits, overheating, or damage from external impacts occur. Fires caused by electric vehicles themselves are generally due to thermal runaway. After thermal runaway, the power battery releases toxic flammable gases, which can easily lead to combustion and explosion accidents.

4. Life-saving skills that vehicle owners should know and master.

A small flame can start a great fire; prevention is key. Fire safety is of utmost importance, and protecting our homes depends on everyone.

1. Regularly maintain and service your vehicle: Follow the vehicle manual's requirements for comprehensive maintenance, including checking the electrical system, fuel system, and mechanical components. Replace aging or damaged parts promptly to ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.

2. Refuse unauthorized modifications: Do not arbitrarily modify the vehicle's electrical or fuel systems. If modifications are necessary, choose a professional shop and ensure the plan does not compromise the vehicle's safety performance.

3. Strictly prohibit placing flammable and explosive items inside the vehicle: Do not leave lighters, perfume, hairspray, or other flammable and explosive items in the car. If you must bring them, remember to take them out when leaving the vehicle to avoid prolonged exposure inside.

4. Pay attention to driving habits: Avoid running the vehicle under high load for extended periods, especially in hot summer weather. If you notice unusual smells or smoke from the vehicle, stop and check immediately; do not continue driving with wishful thinking.

5. Equip fire extinguishing devices: Keep a qualified fire extinguisher in the vehicle and learn how to use it correctly. In critical moments, a fire extinguisher can be a key tool to save the vehicle and lives.

5. Beware of Battery Explosions

When abnormal current and voltage, battery heating, deformation, electrolyte leakage, or pungent odors occur, be alert for battery explosions.

6. Safety Lawyer Reminder

Always firmly uphold the safety red line awareness. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, "Human life is of paramount importance, and development must never come at the cost of human life—this must be an unbreachable red line." Preventing vehicle fires starts with daily details: do not rely on luck, carefully perform every vehicle maintenance and upkeep, and sail safely on your journey ahead.