Vehicle Safety Practices
“Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along our roadways,” (CAL FIRE, 2013)
“Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparks plus leaking fluid are all it takes to start a car fire,” (National Fire Protection Association, 2018).
Ways you can prevent wildfires with your vehicle:
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Vehicles that haven’t received regular maintenance can shoot sparks from the exhaust.
Always make sure your vehicle is current on all mechanical checkups
If you spot leaks from your vehicle, get it checked out. Most car fluids are flammable.
Make sure there’s nothing dragging on the ground under your vehicle
If you know you’ll be towing a trailer, do a maintenance check before your trip.
Check tire presure and make sure your tires aren’t worn. Exposed wheel rims can create sparks.
Make sure your bearings and axels are greased
Check your vehicle brakes and change the out if they’re too thin. Driving on bad brakes can create sparks.
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Dragging chains can throw sparks
Use proper safety pins and hitch ball, and never substitute towing parts
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Parking your vehcile too clse to vegetation can start wildfires
Avoid driving into tall vegetation. Hot vehicle parts can ignite and burn the brush.
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Keep a fire extinguisher with you and know how to use it.
Parking on Grassy Areas
“A vehicle’s undercarriage is very hot and when it’s near or in contact with dry shrubs or tall grass, the vegetation can begin to smolder and then ignite, starting a brush fire that can quickly turn into a wildfire,” (Pacey, 2019). Check out this video on the Do’s and Don’ts of Parking on Grass!
Follow these tips to prevent igniting a wildfire with your vehicle:
Check and secure tow chains, and never substitute parts when towing
Make sure nothing is hanging beneath your vehicle and dragging on the pavement
Check tire pressure before you travel; exposed wheel rims can cause sparks
Don’t park in tall grass, as heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire