Plastic bottles in cars: A hidden summer fire hazard

Proper body hydration is extremely important. In the summer, we need to drink more often to maintain the proper fluid levels. However, it's not difficult to make a tragic mistake, which many people frequently make.

A heatwave is heading again. Providing the body with adequate fluids is very important during this time. We should always have something to drink with us—plain water is best.

People who drive cars often leave plastic bottles with fluids in the vehicle. In the summer, this is a hazardous habit. The Volunteer Fire Department, among others, warns against the consequences of such a situation. Knowing the risks we face if we engage in such practices is worth knowing.

Although it may seem unlikely, a plastic bottle in the car can contribute to a fire. This is no joke. Heated plastic can quickly begin to smoke, leading to a real tragedy.

"It is clearly visible how, under the influence of sunlight and the lens created by the water, the fabric starts to smoulder, so we have the beginning of a fire. An important message especially in the middle of a scorching summer, as I did not expect such a threat from this side," we read in a post that appeared on the Facebook fan page of OSP Podwody.

However, plastic bottles are not the only danger in the heat. Cards of carbonated drinks are equally dangerous, which can even explode under heat. The fire risk is not the only downside of leaving bottles in the car.

It is also worth knowing that bacteria and fungi can multiply in water left in the car during the summer. This is due to high temperatures, which accelerate specific processes. The worst is carrying such water in the car for a long time. Drinking it can be detrimental to our health.