Currently, 89 large, active wildfires are burning across the United States, 12 in Idaho alone. And in any given year, around 90% of wildfires, nationwide, are human-caused.
Campfires, cigarettes, fireworks, all topping the list. And adding to it, vehicles.
July 8th’s Highway 55 fire is one of the many vehicle-started fires, among 11 others stared this year in the Boise District.
Now, fire officials are strongly urging people to perform all regularly scheduled maintenance on vehicles and trailers, before you head out. Eagle Fire Department Battalion Chief, Rob Shoplock warns, “Check the tire pressure in your car, make sure all your fuel levels are filled up, make sure if you are hooking up a trailer that there are not chains dragging, and really, if you notice anything different about your vehicle or the way it’s performing, pull over and check it out.”
Officials also say to look out for other vehicles, urging anyone who sees a problem with someone else’s vehicle to make that person aware or call 911.
The National Interagency Fire Center says August is likely to get more dry, making it even more likely to burn, so any preventative measure that can be taken should be taken.
