Cronomer Valley FD responded to a call for a car fire next to a building at the NYS Thruway Plattekill Rest Area on Thursday, March 7th,2019. Quick thinking by local workers used 8 fire extinguishers on the fire to hold it at bay and prevent it from extending to the Sunoco Mini Mart it was parked next to. The fire department was on scene within 6 minutes to find the vehicle still smoking and some light flames in the engine compartment. The fire would have definitely spread to the nearby building had the extinguishers not been deployed.

These type of fires can spread very quickly in a short amount of time. The public is urged to maintain their vehicles in a safe manner by repairing any leaks or electrical problems as soon as they are detected. If you suspect your car is smoking or on fire, you should make sure to park it away from any buildings or other vehicles in case the fire intensifies. As a general precaution, fire extinguishers should be carried in the trunk and known how to be used by the operator. If the fire is already in the passenger compartment, abandon the vehicle and get far away to avoid flying projectiles that occur when bumpers, shock absorbers and lift cylinders for hoods, hatchbacks or rear windows get heated. Call the fire department as soon as you expect your car is on fire before attempting to put it out yourself.

As a reminder cell phones should not be in use while fueling vehicles. Gas stations remind customers not to lock the nozzle open with an object or leaving the area while the vehicle is being fueled. Any spills due to leaving the nozzle in the tank and driving away or tampering with the nozzle are the reponsibility of the operator. In addition to the fire hazard, spill cleanups are expensive. We thank all of you who take to the roads on a daily basis and drive reponsible in a safe manner. Be safe and thanks for your continued support.