The head of Wagga’s Fire and Rescue station at Turvey Park says Wagga’s record of car fires is shameful and is putting good Samaritan residents at risk.
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In just the first three days of 2018, Wagga has had two car fires; one at Kooringal on New Year’s Day, and now at bushland near Grinton Avenue, Ashmont.
Commander Jeff Edwards said figures show Wagga has on average one car fire every three days.
“In 2016 we had 97 car fires, in 2017 we saw 104, and we’re already out the gate with two fires this year,” Mr Edwards said.
“What’s even more concerning is the pressure vessels in cars can explode when they come into contact with fire.
“Tyres, airbag canisters and the like; once they heat up, they explode, and if people get too close, they can get seriously injured or worse.
“We really appreciate the good Samaritan residents who come out with hoses to help, but we fear that they may be injured if they get too close with the garden hose.”
Firefighters were called to the Ashmont car fire at 12.48am on Wednesday and had to send two trucks, including a four-wheel drive, as the fire was in bushland.
Senior firefighter Lee Hyde said crews had put the fire out by 1.37am.
“We are very good at it now considering we do 100 a year,” Mr Hyde said.