The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to take precautions to help prevent human-caused wildfires, particularly as dry conditions continue to elevate fire danger across the state.
According to CDOT, more than 90 percent of wildfires in Colorado are caused by people. Common roadway-related fire risks include overheated brakes, sparks from dragging trailer chains, tire blowouts, vehicle malfunctions, and discarded cigarettes.
Transportation officials are encouraging drivers to take several preventative measures before hitting the road, including regularly inspecting tires for wear, checking trailer chains to ensure they do not drag on the pavement, monitoring vehicles for overheating, and keeping up with routine maintenance to reduce the risk of mechanical issues.
If vehicle trouble occurs, drivers are advised to pull over onto paved surfaces whenever possible and avoid stopping in dry grass or other vegetation that could ignite from hot vehicle components.
CDOT also recommends carrying a Class A fire extinguisher in vehicles to help quickly address small fires before they spread.
With drought conditions affecting much of Colorado this year, officials say even a small spark can quickly become a dangerous wildfire.
