Concern grows over vehicles catching fire in and around Kochi

Increase in vehicle fires prompts concerns for safety, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and precautions.

Frequent incidents of cars and other vehicles catching fire in the city and its suburbs have raised concern while highlighting the need for better upkeep of all types of vehicles.

At least three incidents of cars catching fire were reported in the region over the past week, while a mini lorry was gutted in a fire in an open space on Banerjee Road on Saturday (March 1, 2025). This was preceded by a fire that engulfed a Maruti Omni van at Kanjoor, near the Kochi airport, on Tuesday. A moving car caught fire at Kakkanad on Saturday, while the engine and front portion of a car’s passenger cabin were gutted in a fire shortly after it was parked at Aluva on Sunday. Fortunately, the occupants of these vehicles moved to safety before the fire spread.

Likewise, a luxury car burst into flames as soon as it was parked near the School of Management Studies on Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) campus a month ago. This happened after the driver stopped the vehicle upon noticing increased heat inside the cabin.

Officials of the Fire and Rescue Services department, who are the first responders to such incidents, noted a general increase in fire incidents during the summer months. “There are many possibilities, including overheating of the vehicle body and vehicles that were driven long distances being parked near dry grass, leaves, or garbage,” said Rajesh Kumar R., station officer, Gandhinagar fire station. A minor spark could trigger a fire. Care should also be taken to prevent oil and lubricant leaks and to avoid circuit overloads due to modifications, he added.

SCMS Institute of Road Safety and Transportation (SiRST) director G. Adarsh Kumar, who retired from the Motor Vehicles department as Joint Regional Transport Officer, attributed unauthorised alterations, which involve tampering with the wiring system, as one of the primary reasons for such fire incidents. “The electrical system of vehicles, especially cars, is generally foolproof. However, it is sometimes tampered with at accessory shops to install additional horns, music systems, and other add-ons. Storing inflammable materials like perfumes and sanitisers could also trigger a fire. Rats and beetles damaging wires pose another risk,” he added.

While installing accessories, all precautions should be taken to prevent short circuits and fire, said Thomas George, owner of a car accessories shop near the Palarivattom Bypass Junction. “In my 38 years of experience in the field, I have found that proper installation is key to avoiding snags and mishaps. The recall of certain batches of cars by manufacturers, who invest heavily in research and development, proves that continuous efforts are needed to ensure safety,” he added.