Vehicle Safety Tips to Prevent Wildfires
According to CAL FIRE, motorists are responsible for many wildfire sparked along roadways. Nearly all these fires can be prevented by following these vehicle safety tips provided by CAL FIRE.
Secure Chains: Practice safe towing. Dragging chains throw sparks. Use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains.
No Dragging Parts: Make sure your vehicle is safely maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground.
Check Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
Carry a Fire Extinguisher in Your Vehicle and Learn How to Use It: Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start a fire that you won’t see until it’s too late.
Properly Maintain Brakes: Brakes worn too thin may cause metal to metal contact which can produce sparks that fly onto dry brush on the side of the road.
Check Under Your Car: Make sure no parts, such as the muffler or other parts of the exhaust system, are coming into contact with the road.
Avoid Driving Into Dry Grass: Avoid parking in fields and narrow shoulders on the side of the road. The brush can burn when ignited by a hot car part.
