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John Daley ReportingWith much of our region still very dry, all it takes is a spark to start a devastating fire.
Today fire prevention educators are raising red flags about the simple things we can do that can make a big difference.
Ever wonder how all the roadside wildfires start? Sometimes it can come from something we may have never thought of.
Often the grasses by a roadway are among the most dry and don't need much to go up in flames. Today the Intraagency Fire Prevention Education Team held a demonstration, showing little things on vehicles and trailers that can start a wildfire.
One example....trailer safety chains. If they're too loose, they can drag on the ground, cause sparks and start a blaze.
Richard Rusk/ Utah Regional Fire Team: "When it's traveling, I'd personally see chains loose enough that they actually drag on the surface of the road and spark. The one I did see happened at nighttime, so it's very visible."
"And that's enough spark to start a fire?"
Rusk: "There's enough spark there to start a fire, yes sir."
Richard Rusk/ Utah Regional Fire Team: "The grasses, on a normal day with no wind, they're combustible as it is. They'll spread quickly. You put a little wind to it, and it's off to the races."
The Utah Interagency Fire Prevention Team urges we follow public use restrictions and access closures, before venturing off-road.
Inspect your tires, on both your vehicles and a trailer. If a tire blows, that can start a fire.
Keep vehicles off dry grass. Exhaust systems can heat to 1,000 degrees and your catalytic converter can reach 2,000 degrees in a short drive. This can ignite grasses and shrubs quickly because this vegetaion catches fire at a temperature of 450 degrees.
Again, inspect trailer safety chains and be prepared. Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle and ATV.
