Rash of vehicle fires
Maintenance cuts the risk

NNSL (JAN 08/97) - Between 24 and 30 vehicle fires cost Yellowknifers a total of more than $60,000 each year.

Four such fires destroyed or damaged vehicles in the city this past week alone.

While these fires each had different causes, deputy fire chief Mike Lowing said that some fires can be avoided if their cars are properly maintained.

"It's no different from home heating systems," he said. "If there are problems, respond to them."

Most of the vehicle fires occur during the winter months when drivers leave their vehicles running for long periods of time.

"We do have vehicle fires in the summer, but nowhere near the number we have during the winter season," he said.

He suggests drivers keep on eye on their vehicles while they are running.

Such mishaps are also less common in newer models. "Usually, most vehicle fires occur in vehicles that are over five years old," said Lowing.

He also said that insurance is important as many fires occur in parking lots and near buildings.

Remembering a vehicle fire in March 1995 that left one Yellowknife man dead, Lowing said these fires are serious business.