Many firefighters are advising people not to leave water bottles in their vehicles, mainly on warm, bright days. Keeping water handy in a bottle seems harmless for drinking, but it may actually increase the risk of fire.
Water bottles are surprisingly dangerous when you have them in your car.
Many would think that plastic water bottles rarely start fires when looking at them without much thought. But firefighters and safety experts have noticed that simple household items can actually cause fires in certain situations. A mix of sunlight, the transparent plastic bottle and the warmth in a car can provide a fire with ideal conditions to start burning.
How Drinking from a Single-Use Water Bottle Can Cause a Fire
Having liquid in a plastic water bottle can make it function like a lens. Just as a magnifying glass gathers light into a single spot, sunlight passing though water in a bottle does the same. Should the pointed beam hit flammable areas inside such as upholstery, paper or plastic, it can start a fire.
Examples and Actual Events
One of the top causes of vehicle fires is water bottles left in the car. A utilities company employee, working in Idaho, found that his truck seat had smoldered from a water bottle he left there in 2017. The light from the sun concentrated on the seat which began to get hot and burn through the fabric. Reports mention other cases where a water bottle left in a hot car has caused a fire or a near-miss fire incident.
How the Phenomenon is Explained by Science
It is explained in science that the lens shape of a bottle can cause light rays to spread which can damage the eyes. A magnifying glass works the same way as a water-filled plastic bottle does, by focusing light and causing it to burn dry leaves. Just how much a bottle’s temperature goes up depends on where the bottle is, how much sunlight it receives and how long it is exposed. At the right temperature and in suitable conditions, flammable materials may catch fire.
Prevention Methods and Tips
Safety experts suggest that leaving plastic water bottles in your car could result in a fire. If you have a water bottle in your car, put it in the trunk or somewhere out of the sun. Using non-transparent stainless steel water bottles is also better since they cannot catch fire as plastic ones can. It is important to not leave flammable materials inside your car, just in case of a strong light beam.
Actions to Take if You Notice Potential Fire Risks
If you realize that a water bottle is left in a sunny car, quickly take it and move it outside or remove it when you can. Frequently examine your car for anything that could start a fire. Should you notice your vehicle is on fire, exit the vehicle as quickly as possible and dial 911 before you try to put out the fire yourself.
Conclusion
Even though leaving water bottles in cars might seem odd, you can tell why it is risky after you learn from the science and real examples. Being cautious and staying alert can keep a small action from turning into a big problem. Prevent your water bottles from sitting directly in the sun and keep your car protected for you and those with you.
