Focus at Four: Texas A&M Forest Service discusses Highway Six fires
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – A week ago, the KBTX live eye camera caught a fire that began in the grass medians of Highway Six near Briarcrest.
On Sunday near Harvey Road, another grass median caught fire.
Despite the heavy rain the area has been experiencing, high temperatures can still be a potential danger to starting fires.
Laura Stevens with the Texas A&M Forest Service says it’s not just cigarette butts that can cause wildfires next to roadways, it’s also cars.
“After the rain, just a few dry, windy days can dry out leaves, twigs and grass along the roadsides, which can increase fire danger,” she said.
Stevens says keeping your car in good order is part of preventing wildfires because any spark can cause danger.
“Make sure that [your] tire pressure is good. Any sparks from your rims that come in contact with the pavement could start a wildfire. Don’t drive or park on tall grass, because if the catalytic converter underneath your vehicle is hot and it comes in contact with that dry vegetation, it could ignite,” she said.
Stevens also says that anything metal dragging on the ground can cause sparks on the concrete.
“If you’re hauling a trailer, make sure your chains are not dragging on the ground. So you can get wraps for your change so they’re safety chain wraps. You can get those or make sure that your chains are in good working order,” she said.
To learn more, watch the full interview with Stevens in the player above.
