Practicing Vehicle Safety

As the community begins to catch its collective breath following the devastating Sand Fire that raged in the Santa Clarita Valley from July 22 until Aug. 3, 2016, it is unescapable that wildfires are a real and dangerous threat year round.

Did you know? Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along our roadways. Nearly all these fire starts could be prevented by following these safety rules:

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 properly 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 fires that you won’t even see until it’s too late!

PROPERLY MAINTAIN BRAKES

• Brakes worn too thin may cause metal to metal contact, which can cause a spark.

Whether camping, working around the home or driving on the roadway, there are things that every citizen can do to prevent wildfires. The California Wildland Fire Coordinating Group features helpful information in their “One Less Spark | One Less Wildfire” campaign. For more information and preventative measures, visit www.preventwildfireca.org