WATCH VIDEO: Firefighters rush to scene of car fire

This was the scene last night when firefighters from Tallaght Fire Station were called to a car fire. Dublin Fire Brigade said a typical car fire can take up to 1,000 litres of water to extinguish and releases toxic gases to the atmosphere.

Car fires can present many hidden dangers for firefighters. 

Water can cause small explosions due to chemical reactions.

Intense heat is also generated due to the burning of magnesium in the engine blocks.

In addition, magnesium reacts violently with water and can explode.

Similarly, gas contained in hinges in bonnets and boots can also explode possibly causing them to shoot off like missiles.