Image by Andrea
Firefighters know better than anyone else how fires start, and though this may seem surprising, given that we use water to put out fires, the story changes when we talk about bottles. So, how does the situation turn dangerous? Let’s find out.
The Science Behind It
If you remember what you learned about sunlight and magnifying glasses in school, you may already have figured this one out. A plastic bottle filled with water creates a magnifying glass effect that, with the right sunlight angle, can become focused on a single point.
So, if you have flammables in the car, such as a fabric car seat or pieces of paper, you could start a fire.
There have been numerous documented incidents of car fires starting this way from everywhere around the world. Ironically, a firefighter from Idaho learned this lesson the hard way when he left a water bottle in his car. When he came back, he noticed smoke and found the seat smouldering.
It all comes down to how the water bends light to focus on one point. The fireman did not have to lose his car as he was able to put out the fire before it caused more damage.
Image by Styves
What To Do About It
Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, especially on a hot day. So, do we all need to get thermoses for our water now? Well, if you can get an opaque container or one that doesn’t focus light like clear bottles, by all means, do.
However, as a precaution:
- Don’t leave bottles where they are or where they would be exposed to the sun in your car.
- Keep your bottle in a bag, under the seat, in a closed glove compartment, or just take it with you.
As climate change threatens more places with wildfires, such as those seen in Los Angeles at the beginning of 2025, we will continue to hear about precautions. Stay safe; know the hazards!
