Important Question About Electric Gates

I have a neighbor who has an electric sliding gate.
For two nights in a row, after they leave, the gate endlessly opens and closes for many hours until the people get home in early morning hours.

Would anyone know what happens if and when that gate finnally goes kapoot? Would the electrical box just stop, or would there be a chance that a short could start?

Why this question is important is we are in fire zone areas, and sparks of any kind can start a fire.