The National Fire Agency urged advance inspections and caution, saying the risk of car fires has risen sharply as travel increases with heat waves and long-distance drives during the summer vacation season.
According to the National Fire Agency on the 10th, there were a total of 18,417 car fires over the past five years (2021–2025). Car fires left 130 people dead and 769 injured. Property damage reached 191.1 billion won.
Car fires were more frequent in July and August. Nearly 20% of all annual vehicle fires occurred in just the two months of July (9.5%) and August (9.2%), when heat waves peak.
The National Fire Agency explained that in summer, high ambient temperatures can easily raise engine temperatures, and running the air conditioner for long periods can lead to mechanical overheating and fires. Leaving flammable items such as lighters or power banks inside the vehicle is also a major cause of fires.
The National Fire Agency advised that before long-distance trips, drivers should check coolant and oil levels and keep tire pressure at proper levels. To prevent engine overheating, drivers should periodically cool the engine at rest areas during trips, and they should not keep flammable items inside the vehicle.
The National Fire Agency also stressed equipping vehicles with fire extinguishers, which are essential for initial suppression, to prepare for emergencies.
Choi Yong-chul, acting commissioner of the National Fire Agency, said, "Summer vehicle fires, combined with the seasonal factor of heat waves, carry a very high risk of major casualties or secondary accidents," and added, "Drivers should refrain from excessive driving during heat waves and make sure to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers to actively take part in proactive fire prevention."