BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) -Several car fires have taken place in West Virginia in the past year, most recently a car fire on Emily Drive in Clarksburg.

Fire departments across the country have responded to an average of 215,096 vehicle fires a year from 2018-2022 according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Fire officials said car fires can be caused by a variety of factors.

"Anything from a manufacturing defect, minor, but they do happen, electrical or mechanical issues, lack of maintenance even could cause a problem. Maybe somebody spilled some oil the last time they changed it or if they topped off fluids to a catalytic converter overheating, wiring causing a problem. So there's multiple issues that could create a car fire," Captain Walter Knight, Clarksburg Fire Department said.

Captain Knight says they respond in the same manner to a car fire as they would any other fire but there are incidents that can increase the danger for firefighters.

A volunteer fire department in Kingwood responded to a vehicle fire in which magnesium in the car caused noticeable damage to a firefighter's gear.

Captain Knight says it's something firefighters should be cautious of.

"The magnesium that they use in different parts of the vehicle, the steering shaft, sometimes transmission or transfer cases, will be made out of magnesium, and it reacts very violently with the water when it's on fire. It more or less is a small explosion if it's on fire when the water is applied to it. But there's a very brilliant light show, and the splattering effect happens with the magnesium igniting. Being cognizant of the fact that the magnesium is there, and just paying attention is the biggest thing that the firefighters can do," Captain Knight said.

He recommends that people take care of their vehicles to prevent car fires.

"One of the biggest things is making sure that their vehicle is maintained. That will alleviate a lot of problems. And just paying attention to stuff. If it's making a different noise or if you haven't changed your oil, things like that lately, stay on top of your maintenance," Captain Knight said.

Local fire captain weighs in on recent car fires in West Virginia