Car Catches Fire While Driving in Lanzarote as Driver Escapes Unhurt
A vehicle caught fire while being driven in Lanzarote on Friday evening, with the driver managing to stop and get out safely before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
The incident happened on Friday, 18 September 2026, in the Mácher area of Tías. According to reports based on information from the Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium, the vehicle was travelling on the LZ-2 when the driver noticed that flames had started in the engine area.
The driver was the only person inside the SUV and was able to stop the vehicle and leave it without suffering injuries.
Emergency services were alerted through CECOES shortly after 7pm. Firefighters from Lanzarote's Central and Southern parks attended, with Local Police, Guardia Civil Traffic officers and Protección Civil also involved at the scene.
By the time firefighters arrived at Camino del Cascajo, the fire had affected the engine compartment and part of the vehicle's interior. Initial efforts were already under way to put water on the car. Firefighters then completed the operation using firefighting foam, disconnected the vehicle's battery and carried out checks for remaining hot spots to reduce the risk of the fire reigniting.
There is no indication in the reports that the driver was injured, and no official cause of the vehicle fire has been given.
Another vehicle fire in Lanzarote
The incident was followed only hours later by another vehicle fire in the municipality of Tías.
At around 6:55am on Saturday, 19 September, a van caught fire while travelling on the LZ-40 in the Puerto del Carmen area. Firefighters found that the flames were concentrated mainly at the front of the vehicle. Water was used to extinguish the fire, followed by foam inside the vehicle to make sure the blaze was fully out and could not restart.
The two incidents happened within a relatively short period, but there is no information indicating that they were connected.
What should drivers do if a car catches fire?
For tourists hiring a car in Lanzarote, as well as local residents, a vehicle fire can be frightening. If you ever notice smoke, flames or a strong burning smell while driving, the priority is to get yourself and any passengers away from danger.
If it is safe to do so, stop as soon as possible in a suitable location, switch off the engine and leave the vehicle. Move away from the car and keep a safe distance rather than attempting to investigate the engine or retrieve belongings.
Once everyone is safely away from the vehicle, contact the emergency services on 112 in Spain and give your location as clearly as possible. On Lanzarote, knowing the road number, nearby junction, roundabout or landmark can help emergency crews reach you quickly.
Drivers should not put themselves at risk trying to tackle a developed vehicle fire. If you are in a hire car, contact the rental company once the emergency has been dealt with and you are in a safe place.
The latest Lanzarote incident ended without injury to the driver, but it is a useful reminder that problems can develop quickly on the road. Whether you are a visitor exploring the island by hire car or a resident commuting between towns, paying attention to warning signs and knowing how to contact Lanzarote emergency services can make a significant difference.
