Roadside fires are more common than you might think, especially when conditions are dry and windy like they are now. Several local, state and federal agencies want to educate drivers about the risks this Memorial Day weekend
Tall dry grasses hugging state highways can quickly fuel a wildfire. It’s enough to prompt agencies like the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. forest service and local fire departments to come together and launch the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire campaign.
Debbie Maneely is with the forest service. She says there are some simple things drivers can do to minimize the risks. "Like maintain their brakes, keep your tires properly inflated, if you have a blowout, sparks from the rim could start grass fires, chains dragging from your trailers could start sparks. Make sure your exhaust pipes aren’t dragging," says Maneely.
Maneely says if you have to pull over to the side of the road, try to avoid doing so on those dry grasses. The heat from your exhaust pipe could start a fire.
