The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service West have issued a warning to car owners as new safety devices pose risks to firefighters in the event of a car fire.
A NIFRS West spokesperson said: "Car manufacturers are packing cars with new devices all the time to increase safety for motorists but pose extra dangers to crews in the event of any extrication, or in the event of a fire. To name a few:
:Airbags, with a gas charge that can now deploy twice and are located in doors, roofs, dash boards, and seats.
:Pre-tensioning seat belts.
:Gas Struts for holding boots and bonnets open.
:Gas/electric hybrid vehicles which have powerful enough batteries to electrocute and kill.
"In addition, more and more vehicle parts are now being made with magnesium, which in the event of a fire, once water is added can give off quite a spectacular explosive display, but a scary one at that for the crew on the hosereel as you can see in the video.
"Full PPE and Breathing Apparatus should be worn at all times."
Should your vehicle go on fire:
:Apply handbrake and switch off ignition.
:Move everyone uphill and upwind from the vehicle.
:Dial 999
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