Fire-safe driving

Hot summer temperatures on the heels of very low precipitation means dry vegetation. And that means that the chances of wildfires starting are higher than usual, especially if one is not careful. In particular, drivers traveling the roads of California are being cautioned by the U.S. Forest Service to help prevent vehicle-related wildfires by:

• Maintaining correct tire pressure so as to avoid throwing off sparks from an exposed wheel rim

• Keeping vehicles off dry grass (exhaust systems can reach 1,000 degrees!)

• Cleaning spark arresters on off-highway vehicles (ATVs, motocross motorcycles, etc.)

• Carrying a shovel and a fire extinguisher