State fire officials warn that motorists can help prevent wildlands fires by making sure that their vehicles are properly maintained.
Several recent fires along Highway 50, Bass Lake Road, Gold Hill Road and Cameron Park in El Dorado County were caused by vehicles, according to the Amador-El Dorado unit of the state Forestry and Fire Protection Department.
Fire scars along Highways 49 and 88 and Ridge Road in Amador County were caused by vehicles.
"When a vehicle's engine is not well-maintained, the exhaust system can become overtaxed, thereby allowing fuel to enter the exhaust system, which in turn overheats the catalytic convertor that melts and disintegrates," said Scott Hogan, fire equipment manager for the Amador-El Dorado Cal Fire unit.
In his written statement, Hogan said pieces of the catalytic converters leave the muffler at 1,200 degrees "and can bounce onto the dried grass along the edge of the road and start fires."
When tires that are improperly inflated blow out, shred into pieces and bounce off the road, they can come to rest in dried vegetation and start fires, a Cal Fire news release said.
Officials said a fire along Highway 50 in Cameron Park occurred when a transmission failed and dropped out of a vehicle. Towing vehicles, boats, campers and jet skis places added stress on a vehicle's transmission.
California Highway Patrol officials advise people who have car trouble to find a safe place to stop, such as a paved shoulder or parking area.
Motorists should avoid pulling off into weeds, which could start a fire.
Motorists also should be wary of driving long distances on a flat tire because the tire can detach from the rim and the sparks can cause a fire.
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