After Two Calls, Fire Captain Reminds Public of Hot Car Danger

After prying open two cars to rescue the children locked inside on Tuesday, Gilroy Fire Capt. Shaun Peyghambari said people should be aware of the danger that kids can face if left in such a hot environment. 

“As summer comes around, those calls can be a lot more concerning—the car can heat up so fast,” the captain said.

Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke, is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths in children under 14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Temperatures in a car can rise above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, even on a day as cool as 60 degrees, according to the agency. As little as 10 minutes is enough to heat the car to dangerous levels.

“It’s dangerous at any time. But especially in the summer, be careful,” the captain said.

Peyghambari said the department responds to around 10 calls a year of children locked in cars.

At least 27 children die each year after being left in a hot car, with June being the month when most incidents happen, according to the agency.