Vehicles and other equipment commonly used in the summer, such as lawn mowers, can easily start wildfires during the hot, dry summer months, just when Pacific Northwest summer weather draws people out for summer road trips, home improvement and other activities. As the season heats up, the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) shares a reminder to pay attention to conditions and avoid starting the next wildfire.

“The number of equipment-related fires spikes dramatically during the summer months, and motorists are the driving force behind the majority of those starts,” said Kristin Babbs, president of the Keep Oregon Green Association. “Data show that many human-caused wildfires in Oregon and Washington start along heavily traveled roadways like Interstate 5, Interstate 84, and Interstate 90 where sparks from dragging tow chains or metal car parts can easily ignite dry vegetation and spread quickly. Pack an up-to-date fire extinguisher in your car’s summer emergency kit and know how to use it.”

As of July 23, 2025, there have been 2,134 wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with about 81% being human caused. In Washington, 1,018 out of 1,050 wildfires were human caused, while in Oregon, 675 out of 1,039 were started by people. Given the region's history of large wildfires, it's crucial to be extra cautious.

Under hot, dry conditions, all types of motorized vehicles can ignite a wildfire. There is an above-average risk of large fires expected in eastern Oregon and Washington, as well as in northwest Washington through September. Fire officials need your help. Follow these basic safety tips when you ride or drive to keep an enjoyable outing from turning into a costly, damaging wildfire:

TIPS TO REDUCE VEHICLE WILDFIRES

Ensure all parts of your vehicle are secure and not touching the ground. A loose safety tow chain or muffler dragging on pavement can send a shower of sparks into dry vegetation, igniting not one but several wildfires along a roadside.
Check your tire pressure and look for signs of wear. Once a flat tire shreds, the steel bands from the tire itself and the bare wheel on pavement can cast sparks far into roadside vegetation. This scenario has resulted in numerous Pacific Northwest wildfires. Likewise, poorly lubricated wheel bearings can overheat and ignite, and the metal-on-metal contact of a worn-out brake can emit sparks. Ensure they receive regular maintenance.
Maintain vehicles and equipment by cleaning exhaust systems and spark arresters so they are undamaged and functioning properly. A worn-out catalytic converter can degrade and cast off extremely hot pieces of material, and a faulty spark arrester can shed hot metal. Engine compartments can collect debris and be receptive to sparks. Also, regularly inspect vehicle undercarriages to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
A running vehicle’s exhaust system can reach temperatures up to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid driving, idling, or parking on dry grass or piles of brush that can touch the underside of a vehicle. A few seconds of contact between dry grass and a hot catalytic converter or exhaust system can start a fire. Operate all vehicles on established roads and trails, and park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs.
Follow recreational forest laws during fire season, including whether off-road driving is permitted. Report all fires immediately. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher in vehicles, in addition to a cell phone, water, and a shovel. Fire extinguishers have prevented many vehicle-caused wildfires, whether used on people’s own vehicles or travelers coming to the aid of others.
Ensure your RV’s cooking appliances, generator, and propane system are functioning correctly. When using solar panels, clear at least a 10-foot area down to rock or mineral soil around them. Most RV solar panel fires result from improper installation or usage. Incorrect wiring or poor maintenance can cause high resistance heating or battery failure. Solar units can overheat in full sun. Also, battery racks inside the passenger compartment can reach over 200°F while charging. This creates a significant fire hazard.
Respect private forestlands and their designated closure areas.
Check public land management agency websites for current fire restriction details and tips:

· Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/r6/alerts-notices.

· BLM: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

· Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

· DNR: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/campsites and https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/ and Wildfire Prevention | Department of Natural Resources.

Source: Northwest Coordination Center

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