Seattle, Washington – Garbage Truck Fire on the I-90

Seattle, Washington  (May 2, 2019) – A garbage truck was reported to be on fire at the westbound off-ramp of the Interstate 90 near 4th Avenue South around 10 a.m. on Thursday morning. The driver of the truck was able to safely exit the burning vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

About Vehicle Fire

Vehicle fires are a cause for alarm and can present a very dangerous situation. No matter the cause, all passengers are advised to get as far away from the vehicle when it ignites. The nature of the vehicle and the materials used in it builds potential for big fires and explosions.

To minimize the risk of fires, it is always best to make sure that a vehicle is well-maintained and in good condition. While there are many known causes of car fires, a fire does not always start with just one cause. More often, a number of factors are present when a car fire happens. This makes investigation difficult, but by listing the known causes of car fires, car owners can take the proper steps to analyse their own vehicle’s safety. Some factors do not always directly start the fire but raise the risk for creating it; these factors are design flaws, vehicle neglect, the use of faulty electrical or hybrid batteries, and the spilling or leaking of flammable liquids . On the other hand, factors that can directly cause vehicle fires are car crashes, arson, faulty wiring, and overheating car parts and components. The top two causes for car fires are electrical system failures and leaks in the fuel system. Additionally, one must look over the cargo being carried and make sure there is risk that the cargo can also burst into flames. In identifying these fire risks, one can then properly assess their vehicle to see if any of these risks are present. Like with all fire risks, early detection can help prevent any damage, loss, injuries and fatalities.

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