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Wildfire Prevention Tips

Vehicle Safety

Learn how to avoid starting a wildfire with your vehicle

Poorly maintained brakes, driving or parking on dry grass or tall weeds, and letting your tow chains drag can spark a wildfire. Here's what you can do to avoid starting a wildfire with your vehicle.

Car with a trunk open parked on a dirt road

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Whether you’re using tow chains or driving in or around wildland areas, it's your responsibility to ensure your vehicle doesn't accidentally spark a wildfire. This quick guide covers the essentials for safe vehicle use and maintenance.

Vehicle Safety Guide

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Use Tow Chains Correctly

Dragging tow chains can start a wildfire

Step 01 Learn how to tow safely

  • Use safety pins on your hitch

    Make sure chains are attached to your vehicle and off the ground to prevent them from dragging.

  • Secure tow chains

    Keep chains off the ground to prevent them from dragging, as this can cause sparks. Use chains that are an appropriate length for the distance between your vehicle and trailer.

  • Use a chain guard

    Be sure chains and other metal parts aren't dragging, as this can also cause sparks.

Tow chains above ground and not dragging

Check Tires

Tire sparks can start a wildfire

Step 02 Take care of your tires

  • Keep tires fully inflated

    Driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.

Flat or low-pressure tire with an X

Avoid Dry Grass

A hot car can start a wildfire

Step 03 Be careful driving and parking

  • Be careful driving through dry grass or brush

    The undercarriage of your car is hot and can catch the grass on fire and start a wildfire. Stay on designated roads.

  • Avoid parking on dry grass or tall weeds

    Always park on pavement when available; if not, park on wet or green vegetation instead. Parking on dry grass or tall weeds with a hot car can start a wildfire.

Car parked on top of dry yellow grass

Maintain Brakes

Brake sparks can start a wildfire

Step 04 Take care of your brakes

  • Replace worn or thin brakes

    Metal-on-metal contact may cause sparks.

Worn breaks causing sparks from metal on metal contact

Learn more wildfire prevention tips

While at home or spending time outdoors, follow these important safety tips to prevent an unintended wildfire.