Human-caused wildfires in Northern California have dropped from over 4,200 in 2020 to fewer than 3,000 in 2024 (source: NIFC Human-Caused Wildfires). A sure sign that more people in our area are following “no sparks” tips to prevent fires.

But wildfires are getting larger. In recent years, Northern California has experienced the three largest wildfires in the state’s history, including California’s first ‘gigafire’ — the 2020 August Complex Fire, which burned over one million acres. These ” no-sparks” tips can help keep us safe from all wildfires, large and small, and keep bringing down the number of human-caused wildfires.

Practice Safe Towing. Use Tow Chain Covers

With over 13,000 trailers registered in Yuba County (source: CA DMV), preventing sparks from dragging tow chains is a big part of local wildfire prevention.

✅If your trailer uses safety chains, cover them!

Free tow chain covers are available at multiple locations around the county. Made from recycled CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service and local volunteer fire department fire hoses, they create a sparks-free barrier between metal tow chains and asphalt roadways. Learn more about our “No Spark” tow chain cover project here.

Be Wheel Safe

Driving on a flat tire with an exposed wheel rim can throw sparks and ignite dry roadside vegetation. That’s how the Carr Fire started in 2018, burning over 229,000 acres in Northern California.

✅Check your tires for proper inflation at least once a month.

✅Remember: Underinflated tires are more likely to go flat, especially in hot weather when wildfire risk is high.

Other “No Sparks” Tips for Vehicles

✅Check your brake pads-worn pads can cause metal-on-metal contact that sparks.

✅Keep vehicles off dry grass or brush-hot exhaust pipes can ignite fires you won’t see until it’s too late.

✅Get regular tune-ups. A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach up to 2,000°F and eject molten metal from the exhaust, igniting dry grass.

Do Yard Work Safely-Before 10a.m.

Use gas-powered or electrical tools such as mowers, chainsaws, and grinders before 10a.m., when it’s cooler and less windy. In dry grass, these tools can easily spark a fire.

✅Remove rocks from your work area-striking one with a metal blade can spark a fire.

✅Use a weed trimmer with plastic line-never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.

✅Keep equipment well-maintained and clean.

✅Keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a phone ready-call 911 immediately if a fire starts.

“No Sparks” Tips for Standby Generators

Without proper installation, use and maintenance, standby generators can throw sparks and ignite a wildfire. Here are a few tips to keep that from happening:

✅Check for loose or corroded connections: Sparks can occur if battery terminals, wiring, or other electrical connections are loose, corroded or damaged.

✅Prevent overloading a backup generator. Starting all appliances at once can create sparks by overloading the generator’s wiring.

✅Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure the area around the generator remains clear of combustible materials. Don’t leave a running generator unattended.

Wildfire prevention is gaining momentum-let’s keep it going! The more of us who follow these simple steps, the safer our County will be.