San Andreas, CA…On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit firefighters and law enforcement responded to the report of a vegetation fire near Hwy 49 and Kneif Ln. San Andreas (Calaveras County).

On arrival there were a total of 9 small fires burning near the roadside on both sides of Hwy 49. Investigators determined a vehicle trailer with a brake failure caused by negligence of maintenance started the fires and a citation was written to the trailer owner.

Although the weather is beginning to cool in the unit, fire danger is still a concern. It is imperative that anyone operating a vehicle within CAL FIRE TCU ensure their vehicle is safe for travel and properly maintained. Items to consider so your vehicle use does not contribute to the risk of wildfires:

Secure all chains – Practice safe towing. Dragging chains throws sparks. Use appropriate safety pins and hitch balls to secure chains.

Remove 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 – 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! Keep a fire extinguisher in your car and know how to use it.

Properly maintain brakes – Brakes worn too thin may cause metal-to-metal contact, which can cause a spark.
#calfiretcu2024 #VehicleFireSafety #OneLessSpark