Fire danger in California is above normal levels. Significantly dry conditions are present due to historically low precipitation and high temperatures.
The U.S. Forest Service is urging everyone to be responsibile in preventing human-caused wildfires, and to use caution when traveling on highways.
The Kyburz Fire impacted a highway last week east of Placerville on the Eldorado National Forest. The fire began the afternoon of July 8 near the community of Kyburz. A blown tire on a vehicle caused the fire.
The USFS advises:
• Be wheel-safe. Check tire pressure. Driving on an exposed wheel rim throws sparks.
• Be prepared. Carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher in all vehicles.
• Follow all public-use restrictions and access closures. Check with local agencies about any closures before venturing off road.
• Keep vehicles off dry grass. Exhaust systems can heat up to 1,000 degrees and ignite adjacent grasses and shrubs.
• Check spark arresters. Before heading outdoors, clean off-highway vehicle spark arresters. This will reduce the chance of a spark starting a wildfire.
• Make sure vehicles are properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground.
For more information on the One Less Spark – One Less Wildfire Campaign visit www.preventwildfireca.org.