Amador County – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection urged awareness this week that automotive care and maintenance of vehicles can help stem the spark of roadside fires, something that has been prevalent in the Amador-El Dorado Unit.
Teri Mizuhara, CDF Fire Prevention Specialist, said “keeping your vehicle up to date on its maintenance schedules can prevent wildfires.”
Mizuhara said recent examples of wild fires caused by vehicles are clearly visible in El Dorado County along Highway 50, Bass Lake Road, Gold Hill Road and Cameron Park Drive. In Amador County scars can be seen along Highways 49 and 88 and Ridge Road where vehicles caused strings of wildland fires.
Unit Fire Equipment Manager Scott Hogan said “when a vehicles engine is not well maintained, the exhaust system can become overtaxed,” allowing fuel to enter the exhaust system which overheats the catalytic converter, which melts and disintegrates. “Pieces of the catalytic converter exit the muffler at about 1200 degrees Fahrenheit” and can bounce into dried grass and start fires beside roads.
Hogan said “another common cause of wildland fires occurs when tires that are improperly inflated – too little or too much pressure – and they blow out and literally shred into pieces and bounce off the road coming to rest in the dried vegetation which during summer months can catch fire.”
Fire Investigator Tom Oldag said a fire along westbound Highway 50 in Cameron Park occurred when a transmission failed and dropped out of a vehicle.” He said towing can place added stress on a vehicle’s transmission and when not properly maintained it can spell disaster.
Dan Stark of California Highway Patrol encouraged people with car trouble to find a safe place to stop, such as a paved shoulder or parking area, and avoid parking in weeds that can ignite.
Hogan said a “well maintained vehicle helps ensure that you won’t end up on the side of the road with a trail of fires behind.” They also save money because they burn fuel more efficiently.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
