Weird Ways Wildfires Are Started

Lawnmowers, Tow Chains Causing Fires?

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Did you know mowing your lawn or towing a trailer could start a wildfire?

“Remember, nine out of 10 wildfires are human caused fires,” James Heaton, with the USDA Forest Service, told us in a recent interview. “And although we think about campfires and debris burning, we often don't think about the other causes of wildfire.”

In honor of Smokey Bear's 80th birthday, we met Heaton and several other experts at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee to learn more about ways you can help prevent wildfires.

W​ildfires Start In Some Strange Ways

“Lawnmowers can create fires by throwing a spark from the exhaust, or a tow chain from a trailer can cause a fire by dragging down the road and creating sparks along the road,” Heaton said.

Just about anything with an engine or that throws off a very hot spark can start a fire, especially when the weather is hot and dry or your area is in drought conditions.

“Always be aware of where you're parking your vehicle or your heavy equipment,” Brook Smith, an area forester with the Tennessee Division of Forestry, said.

“That machine, it has a lot of heat from the engine. And so if you park it in tall grass, it could ignite the grass below.”

And several wildfires along Interstate 70 in Colorado in July were reportedly started by an RV with a blown tire, which shot sparks from its rim.

H​umans Start Wildfires, But We Can Stop Them, Too

And when it comes to the more common ways that humans start wildfires, remember to follow all the safety rules for campfires, fire pits and especially debris burns.

“Remember, before you start to burn, always keep your brush pile small,” Heaton said. “A smaller burn is better because it burns up faster. It's easier to extinguish, and it makes it much easier in the event of wind or some kind of weather situation.”

Visit smokeybear.com for more wildfire prevention tips.

M​ORE ON WEATHER.COM

-​How To Keep Your Campfire From Becoming A Wildfire

-​How To Safely Burn Yard Debris In Your Backyard

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.