San Andreas, CA…CAL FIRE has determined the Marshes Fire burning in Tuolumne County was started by a vehicle parked in dry grass. The Marshes Fire started on Monday, September 26 approximately two miles up Marshes Flat Road, south of State Highway 49 in the community of Moccasin and has burned 1,000 acres. The investigation revealed a person was driving a vehicle along Marshes Flat Road when they pulled over to take a break, parking their vehicle in the dry grass. The vehicle subsequently ignited the grass. The occupant moved the vehicle and attempted to extinguish the fire, however they were unsuccessful.

CAL FIRE would like to remind the public when traveling through areas of dry vegetation to be cautious where they park their vehicle. Given the current conditions throughout California, you should only park your vehicle in an area cleared of vegetation. Parking your vehicle in grass, or driving through grass can allow hot vehicle components, primarily the exhaust system and catalytic converter, to come in contact with the dry vegetation. These hot components are ignition sources that can cause a wildland fire.

95 percent of all wildfires that CAL FIRE responds to are caused by the activity of people. CAL FIRE urges everyone to be cautious outdoor to prevent sparking a wildfire. One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire. Learn more ways to prevent a wildfire at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

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