“I was driving and everything was fine,” Brooks said. “I drove past Tecumseh High School and all of a sudden my car pounced and I heard a popping noise. My traction control light came on.”
At this point, Brooks thought her tire blew.
“Before I knew it, my car was filled with smoke,” Brooks said.
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She pulled over, shut everything off and then her 2015 Kia Sol Exclaim caught on fire.
Brooks said she pulled everything out of her car including firefighting equipment, electronics and her son’s car seat.
When fire crews arrived, they tried to use a fire extinguisher, but the car was fully involved.
“Apparently, the model that I have has problems catching on fire,” Brooks said. “We never got the recall for it.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued three recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul.
One of the recalls is said to increase the risk of the fire, according the NHTSA website.
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“I 100 percent believe my knowledge in the fire service helped me,” Brooks said. “I am very blessed and happy that I have an amazing department that made sure I was okay.”
Brooks has been a firefighter with the Bethel Twp. Fire Department since 2013 and worked there as a cadet when she was 12 years old. She also works for the New Carlisle Fire Department.
If a person’s car catches on fire, Brooks encourages individuals to get out, help others get out, and remain calm.
“I know it is a stressful situation, but remaining calm gives you clarity and the ability to think quickly,” Brooks said.
She also encourages practicing fire safety.
Brooks said she puts in over 120 hours a week between the Bethel Twp. Fire Department and New Carlisle Fire Department, “because I love what I do.”
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