ATV Explosions

In June 2017, all-terrain vehicles and other utility models were recalled due to a fire hazard. In all, the recall involved 6,000 vehicles. In April 2016, Polaris recalled 133,000 recreational off-highway vehicles because some burst into flames unexpectedly.

An ATV can explode if its internal components overheat. In a Polaris recall, possible causes of fire included an overheated engine and a loosened turbo system drain tube. The consequences of explosions can be quite severe, resulting in burns. Preceding the recall, the company had 19 reports of vehicles catching fire, according to CNN. There were six burn injuries as a result, including severe burns to a child and that also burned acres of forest land in Utah.

Risks of Potential Explosions

All-terrain vehicle fires present risks beyond ATV safety. In June 2017, the Northwest Herald reported a fire near a Harvard, Illinois, home that was triggered by a vehicle fire. The flames ignited a second ATV as well, the ATV’s being parked next to the garage burning also caused pallets to catch fire and were located near gas cans, boxes, and storage.

In March, NBC-2 news reported an ATV caused a fire in dry brush in Lehigh Acres, Florida. It was reported by WINK News as well, which noted the blaze spanned 11 acres. A brush fire in Fort Myers caused by a lawn mower was also reported. A service worker was able to put out the fire quickly with water, but the incident raises awareness of the potential of machinery to be a fire hazard.

Leaking gas also poses a risk of fires and explosions. Such was the case with a vehicle in December 2015, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Parked in front of a home, which also caught fire, the vehicle sustained heavy damage.

Treating a Burn

Vehicle fires can occur suddenly, and riders may not be ready for them. Minor ones can be self-treated with cool water, moisturizer, and pain relievers. A major burn requires immediate medical attention. When tending to someone with a serious burn, move them away from smoldering materials, perform CPR if needed, and remove items such as jewelry and belts, and don’t forget to call 911. Burned areas should be elevated above the heart and covered with a bandage or cloth. Redness, swelling, and pain indicate a 1st-degree burn, but swelling, blisters, or red/white/splotchy skin means a 2nd-degree burn. A 3rd-degree burn involves all skin layers and the underlying tissue, even muscle and bone. The area may look charred, and the person may struggle to breathe due to smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.