Press & Media Resources -FIREGAte: KIA Engine Fire Campaign
About the campaign
.Page Title: Firegate: Kia Engine Fire — Press & Documents
Subtitle: Verified timeline, official correspondence, and contact for media.
Hero blurb (2–3 lines):
On May 11, 2025 my 2011 Kia Sportage caught fire while being driven and was totaled. Kia’s own written findings cite an engine-bay origin with oil igniting on hot exhaust surfaces—yet they refuse to release the full inspection report. I’ve filed with NHTSA and the PA Attorney General and am seeking transparency, restitution, and action to prevent this from happening to another family.
Media contact:
Daniel McAdams • Derry, PA • (724) 694-8604 • silenceequalsguilt@gmail.com
.Timeline
May 11, 2025: Vehicle fire; total loss.
June 20, 2025: Kia inspection performed at my residence.
Aug 7, 2025: Kia delivered verbal findings; no written report provided.
Aug 2025: Filed complaints with NHTSA (ODI 11679186) and PA AG; campaign launched.
Aug 25, 2025: Local TV interview aired (WPXI).
Aug 27, 2025: Kia letter: engine-bay origin; oil on hot exhaust; no manufacturing concerns claimed; denies releasing full report.
Aug–Sep 2025: I supplied Kia with full documentation (insurance, loan, medical, rentals, wages). Awaiting substantive response.
AUGUST 27, 2025 -KIA admitted in writing the fire originated in the engine compartment But still denied resposibility.
Kia America later admitted in writing that the fire originated in the engine compartment due to oil contacting hot exhaust surfaces — yet denied responsibility, refused restitution, and declined to release the full inspection report.
This campaign, known as Firegate, demands three reasonable actions:
Restitution — reimbursement for documented losses and a replacement vehicle.
Transparency — release of the full fire inspection report.
Accountability — commitment to an independent safety review to protect other families.
The story has already been covered locally by WPXI Pittsburgh, and filings have been submitted with both the NHTSA and the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Download the lite media kit now. If you want a complete press kit please email silenceequalsguilt@gmail.com
Documents & evidence (downloads)
Kia Correspondence (PDF bundle) — includes “no further assistance” and subsequent letters.
NHTSA Acknowledgment (PDF) & PA AG Acknowledgment (PDF) & FOIA Confirmation
All personal identifiers except VIN and my own contact have been redacted where appropriate.
Quotes suitable for publication
“Kia acknowledged in writing that the fire originated in the engine compartment due to oil contacting hot exhaust surfaces—but they refuse to release the full inspection report.”
“This isn’t just about my car; it’s about preventing another family from facing a cabin full of smoke at 60 mph.”
“Transparency, restitution, prevention. That’s all I’m asking.”
About Firegate
Firegate is a consumer-safety campaign started by Daniel McAdams to press for transparency, fair restitution, and corrective action following engine-bay fires in Kia vehicles. Learn more or share your story at www.kiaequalssilence.com.
Don’t wait for another fire. Demand accountability.
Every signature adds pressure on Kia to do the right thing. Please share this campaign with friends and family — together we can make a difference.