This infographic of bus fires and their early warning signs in NSW is based on notifications received in 2024, with these top causes, origins and parts at fault:
| Description | Bus fires | Early warning signs |
| Notifications | 24 | 201 |
| Origin | Engine bay 54% | Wheel well 60% |
| Causes | Electrical faults 38% | Brakes 54% |
| Part at fault | Wiring 33% | Brake callipers 21% |
Thermal events such as smoke coming from the engine bay or wheel well, along with onboard alarms are early warning signs of potential fire and should be treated as an emergency. Operators need to be aware of early warning signs and causes of bus fires.
- OTSI received notifications of 24 bus fires and 201 early warning signs in 2024.
- There was a 36% increase in early warning signs compared to 2023 (148).
- The number of bus fires remained the same as the previous year.
- 54% of bus fires originated in the engine bay and 38% of these were caused by electrical faults. Faulty wiring was the main issue.
- 60% of early warning signs originated in the wheel well, with brakes, at 89% the top cause of thermal events and brake callipers the main part to look out for.
OTSI provides data to help bus and coach operators to take action to reduce the number of fires and thermal incidents in their vehicles.