Policy & Compliance
minimise the risk of combustion. During first-use checks and at the start of each shift, it is prudent to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that all tyres are correctly inflated, that there are no leaks from hydraulic or pneumatic systems, and that mud guards and spray flaps are in good, clean condition. If a truck or trailer does catch fire, safety is the paramount concern and no-one should put themselves at risk of injury. Speed of response is vital too, as wheel and brake fires can be extinguished with minimal damage – not least as the cargo is temporarily protected by the trailer curtain or container structure. The fire brigade must immediately be called to attend and, depending on the circumstances, a safety cordon should be set up around the vehicle. If not extinguished quickly, wheel and brake fires can soon take hold, endangering lives and causing devastating damage to the vehicle, cargo and nearby property and road surface. Without putting him or herself in danger, the driver should record as much about the incident as possible, including photographing it. All parties involved should contact their insurers at the earliest opportunity, who in turn will typically appoint investigators to establish the cause and help to avoid future incidents. Fire experts using forensic techniques will, in most instances, be able to identify the causes. Conclusion Truck and trailer fires are a global issue with nearly two-thirds starting in the wheel and brake areas. Regular maintenance, including documented daily visual inspections and frequent cleaning of wheels, brakes, bearings, tyres, seals and hoses, are crucial in mitigating the risk of vehicle fires. Where a fire does break out, safety and speed of response are critical. Both the vehicle and cargo can be saved if the blaze is put out safely and quickly. However, fires often spread rapidly and with potentially significant end results, so prevention is always better than cure. BIFA would like to thank the TT Club for providing the information on which this article is based.
Truck and trailer fi res are a global issue, with nearly two-thirds starting in the wheel and brake areas, according to TT Club data. So regular maintenance is essential Minimising the risk of commercial vehicle fi res
R oad transport professionals need to continue checking the wheels and brakes of trucks and trailers to avoid dangerous vehicle fi res. The TT Club’s latest claims data reveals that around 60% of such fires start in the wheel and brake area, similar to findings reported in 2021. Overheating brakes, leaking seals and hoses, poorly maintained wheel bearings, under-inflated tyres and road debris can all trigger a fire, leading to the complete destruction of vehicles and their cargoes. Mechanical issues Vehicle operators need to be especially aware of the risk of overheating brakes. The way a truck is driven, particularly when loaded with heavy cargo, can give rise to extreme heat build-up under heavy braking conditions, resulting in excessive brake temperatures. This can lead to wheel-bearing grease catching fire and setting light to the tyres. An incorrectly positioned or locked component of the braking mechanism can lead to increased friction and heat build-up. It has also been reported that poor brake balance can cause disc brakes to overheat and set fire to bearing grease or debris. Hydraulic systems for brakes,
drives, steering and lift axles that develop even the smallest of leaks from seals and hoses can be particularly problematic. Hydraulic or lubricating oil expelled under pressure from even a pin-sized hole will create a mist, which can be particularly easy to ignite when a sufficient heat source is present. Overtightened, worn or poorly lubricated wheel hub bearings can also create heat which may ignite bearing grease, tyres and other flammable material. A wheel hub bearing failure can cause additional load on brake components, further increasing the risk of fire. Tyres are made from combustible materials and sufficient heat build-up can start a fire that is hard to put out. Tyre fires can occur due to under- inflated or flat tyres getting hot, both from increased friction with the road surface and from rubbing on dual tyres or chassis parts. This can also lead to a tyre blow out, potentially resulting in loss of control and spreading burning fragments to other parts of the vehicle. Mitigating the risk The most obvious solution is regular maintenance of truck and trailer wheels, brakes, bearings, tyres, seals and hoses by a reputable engineer. Keeping these components clean will also
“ The most obvious solution is regular maintenance of truck and trailer wheels, brakes, bearings, tyres, seals and hoses by a reputable engineer
30 | March 2026
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