Believe it or not but winter conditions and temperatures can lead to more car fires than any other time.

A car fire occurred yesterday in Okotoks just off Southbank Boulevard near Costco that was taken care of quickly and promptly.

Okotoks Deputy Fire Chief Dwight Seymour says there's a few causes that can occur when a car fire breaks out.

"Make sure that your extension cord that you're plugging in is in good repair," he says. "Make sure that also your block heater cord is good so there's no fraying, there's no open spots, nothing that can short out on you and cause a fire that's probably the biggest cause of car fires in cold weather."

Seymour says there a couple of simple 'What To Do's" if your vehicle does indeed start on fire.

"If you're driving you want to stop as quickly and safely as possible. If you can pull over to the side of the road, turn your engine off sometimes that can assist it. It's not going to be pumping anymore fuel or anymore hazards for that fire and get yourself and anybody in your vehicle out of it."

After you've safely got out of your vehicle Seymour says you should keep your distance anywhere from 50 to 150 metres away.

"Usually not going to blow up like in the movies but there are projectiles from tires from different items under pressure in the vehicle that once heated could let go and could cause some projectiles and safety concerns."

Seymour reminds drivers to make sure there's no debris like leaves or other material under the hood that could lead to a fire in the engine.

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