Summer is here, bringing with it barbecues, beach trips, and the familiar heat that leads us to stock up on bottles of water.

However, firefighters have a warning for drivers about a surprising and potentially dangerous hazard associated with leaving these water bottles in vehicles: the risk of starting fires.

A seemingly harmless plastic bottle filled with water may be the last thing one would expect to cause a vehicle fire.

Yet, a recent incident has ignited concerns. Dioni Amuchastegui, a battery technician with the Idaho Power Company, shared his shocking experience with the public. While on a lunch break, he noticed smoke emanating from beneath the center console of his truck. The cause? A bottle of water.

In Dioni’s own words, captured in a video he posted to Facebook, he recalls, “I looked over and noticed light was being refracted through a water bottle and starting to catch the seat on fire.” The aftermath of this incident left two visible burn marks on the seat of his truck, serving as a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers of leaving a bottle of water in a car, particularly on hot, sunny days.

This incident is not an isolated one, as firefighters are now voicing concerns and urging drivers to remain vigilant. The phenomenon is straightforward science but often overlooked. Sunlight, when passed through a bottle filled with water, can act much like the beam of light one would produce with a magnifying glass on a sunny day.

This magnified sunlight can produce intense heat, and under the right conditions, it can indeed lead to a combustion.

To emphasize this risk, Oklahoma’s Midwest City Fire Department carried out an eye-opening test. They discovered that sunlight magnified by a water bottle could achieve temperatures as high as 250 degrees.

MCFD’s David Richardson explained, “The sunlight will come through, when it’s filled with liquid, and act as a magnifying glass as you would with regular optics. It uses the liquid and the clear material to develop a focused beam and sure enough, it can actually cause a fire.”

However, it’s worth noting that while the chances of such an event occurring might be relatively low, the consequences, if it were to happen, could be devastating. We often underestimate the potential threats present in our everyday routines, and this is one such example.

A car, with its enclosed space and materials that can easily catch fire, becomes a potential hotbed for such risks when combined with focused, magnified sunlight.

As summer approaches and temperatures soar, such warnings become ever more pertinent. Officials have rightfully pointed out that although the risk might be minimal, the potential consequences far outweigh the small effort required to take precautionary measures.

The simple act of removing water bottles from a car or ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight can prevent a potential hazard.

As with many risks, awareness is the first step to prevention. While our cars serve as storage spaces for everything from shopping bags to gym gear, it’s crucial to remember the unique environment they present, especially during hot weather.

In conclusion, as you prepare for a day out or even a quick run to the store, take a moment to check your vehicle. Remove that water bottle and save yourself from potential harm. And for a more in-depth look into this phenomenon and firsthand accounts, be sure to check out the accompanying video.

Let this summer be one of fun, relaxation, and above all, safety.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW