PINCHER CREEK, Alta. -- Stranded in the cold with no kindling?

Don't set your car on fire, Pincher Creek RCMP advise.

And if you have a cellphone, you might want to call for help before torching your car and belongings to keep warm.

Fire crews from the town 230 km south of Calgary were called to a vehicle fire Dec. 28 on a rural road between Pincher Creek and the Piikani First Nation.

There they found the smouldering remains of a Honda, along with the aftermath of a second fire in the middle of the road.

A quick search of the area located the two occupants of the car at a nearby house.

Pincher Creek RCMP said the pair were travelling home to Lethbridge, Alta., from Crowsnest Pass, Alta., overnight Saturday when they got lost on country roads east of Pincher Creek, eventually losing control and ending up in a ditch.

With overnight temperatures dropping to around -15 C and fearing for their safety, the duo removed the crashed vehicle's seats and lit them on fire in the middle of the road, along with all of their personal belongings.

When that fire went out, the two men decided to set their car alight.

"They actually had two fires going," RCMP Cpl. Jeffrey Feist said.

"Their car was completely consumed by fire. They lit their car on fire, because they thought they were going to freeze to death."

In the morning, the two men discovered that they were within easy walking distance of a nearby house and set off to find help.

Rising smoke from the burned-out hulk attracted the attention of a passerby, who called 911.

Feist said both men had cellphones.

The pair were taken to hospital where they were treated and released for minor burn and frostbite. One was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Feist recommends motorists carry emergency supplies in their car, and to prepare for the worst when travelling in winter conditions.

"We certainly don't recommend lighting your vehicle on fire to stay warm," Cpl. Feist said. "Stay inside your vehicle and call 911 if you can."

bryan.passifiume@sunmedia.ca