Car fire while driving: Fire brigade saves driver from worse!

Car fire while driving: Fire brigade saves driver from worse!

On Monday evening, October 30, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred near Roßhof: a car caught fire while driving. The driver suddenly noticed a loss of engine power, causing her to steer the car into a sideways path. Only a short time later it became clear that the smoke from the engine compartment indicated a real fire and the situation quickly escalated.

The alerted volunteer fire departments from Geigant, Katzbach and Döfering received the operational order from the integrated control center in Regensburg and immediately set off. When the first emergency services arrived, the fire was already fully blazing on the vehicle. Firefighting began immediately: the Geigant fire department used foam, supported by colleagues from Döfering, who were ready with water. It was possible to prevent the flames from spreading to the surrounding trees and the adjacent meadow. Unfortunately the car burned out completely.

Causes and dangers of vehicle fires

As [Mittelbayerische] reports, the Waldmünchen police have already started investigating the cause of the fire, but no details are currently known. Vehicle fires are not uncommon in Germany: there are around 15,000 such incidents every year - and together with minor damage, even around 40,000, as [Wikipedia] explains. The causes are varied and range from traffic accidents, where leaking fuel or damaged batteries can cause fires, to overheated brakes or damaged cables. Spontaneous combustion is rare, especially in electric vehicles, but cannot be ruled out.

It is important not to lose sight of your own protection in such moments. The first few minutes are crucial as the fire slowly spreads from the engine compartment into the interior. The toxic fumes released during a vehicle fire can also pose significant risks to occupants and following traffic - information covered in detail in [Wikipedia].

Protective measures and tips for action

It is recommended that you respond with fire extinguishers or fire blankets yourself until the fire brigade arrives. These simple measures can often make a decisive contribution to fighting a fire in its early stages. Regular training and having a fire extinguisher should be mandatory for every vehicle driver. The introduction of automatic extinguishing systems is also being discussed in order to further increase safety - clever ideas that may soon become standard.

Overall, this incident shows once again that road safety is a top priority. Preparations and precautions should not be underestimated in the event of a vehicle fire. Because there really is something going on!