Safety Alert: Fire from Underhood Electric Heater Illustrates Vehicle Heating Risks

A driver in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, inadvertently caused a car fire after placing an electric stove under the hood to keep the vehicle warm overnight. This event, reported by the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Buryatia, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using improvised heating devices inside vehicles. The incident occurred on the first day of winter when subfreezing temperatures are common, and a handheld electric heater was positioned beneath the hood with the intent to prevent ice formation and freezing while the car sat idle. The fire originated in the hood area where the device was installed, according to the department with a post-fire assessment of the scene. Firefighters arrived promptly, and the flames were brought under control. After the blaze, the engine section of the car showed significant damage, the paint on a side door had blistered, and the windshield along with several side windows sustained cracks. The evidence collected at the scene included a single-burner electric household stove and the electrical wiring that supplied power to the appliance. The incident underscores how easily a seemingly convenient solution can escalate into a serious fire hazard when it involves heating techniques not designed for vehicle use.