Armenian Interior Ministry urges drivers to keep hazardous items out of cars in summer heat

Armenia’s Interior Ministry has cautioned drivers against leaving heat-sensitive items inside vehicles during the summer, warning that cabin temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels.

Officials said that with windows closed, the interior of a car parked in the sun can reach 50–70C within 20–30 minutes, creating conditions that may cause explosions, fires, or toxic fumes.

The ministry highlighted several items that should never be left in hot cars:

• Electronic devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, and power banks, which can suffer battery damage and ignite.

• Lighters, which may explode under extreme heat.

• Car care chemicals, including oils and cleaning agents, that can release flammable vapors.

• Perfumes and sprays, which can burst under pressure.

• Plastic bottles, which can act as magnifying lenses and spark fires.

• Glass beverage containers, which may shatter due to internal pressure.

“Heat-sensitive items should not be left in vehicles, even for a few minutes,” the ministry said in its advisory on Wednesday, stressing that prevention is key to avoiding accidents during the hottest months of the year.