MileCheckWhat causes roadside wildfires — and how to avoid starting one
A surprising share of wildfires start right along the highway, sparked by vehicles and equipment. Most are completely preventable. Here are the common causes and the simple habits that keep you from starting one.
Dragging chains and metal parts
Trailer safety chains hung too low scrape the road and throw sparks — a top preventable cause. So does any metal dragging behind a vehicle: a loose tie-down, a dropped exhaust part, or a blown tire riding on the bare rim. Cross and shorten trailer chains so they can't reach the pavement, and pull over promptly for a flat. More on trailer chains and fire →
Hot vehicle parts on dry grass
A car's catalytic converter and exhaust run hot enough to ignite dry grass just by parking over it. Don't pull a hot vehicle onto dry vegetation on the shoulder or at a pullout — park on gravel, dirt, or pavement instead.
Sparks, loose loads, and cigarettes
Equipment dragged or run along a dry shoulder throws sparks, an improperly secured load can drop metal that sparks on the road, and a tossed cigarette is a classic roadside ignition. On red-flag (high fire-danger) days, take extra care: secure your load, skip spark-throwing roadside work, and never toss anything burning from a vehicle.
Know what's burning on your route
Even when you do everything right, fires start. MileCheck shows active wildfires and closures on your route in real time, tied to your exact mile marker — so you can avoid driving into smoke, reroute around a closure, and report a new fire with a precise location. See the live wildfire map →
Know exactly where you are — live
MileCheck shows your nearest mile marker in real time as you drive, plus live DOT alerts and the nearest camera on your route. Free to start, works offline, runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Questions, answered
What is the most common cause of roadside wildfires?
Vehicle-related sparks — especially dragging trailer safety chains and blown tires riding on bare rims — plus hot exhaust parts on dry grass and tossed cigarettes. Most are preventable.
Can parking on dry grass start a fire?
Yes. A vehicle's catalytic converter and exhaust get hot enough to ignite dry grass underneath. Park on gravel, dirt, or pavement instead of dry vegetation, especially in fire season.
What is a red-flag warning?
A red-flag warning means weather conditions — often hot, dry, and windy — make wildfires far more likely to start and spread. On those days, take extra care with anything that can throw a spark.
How can I see wildfires near a highway?
MileCheck shows active wildfires and closures along your route in real time, tied to your live mile marker, so you can reroute around smoke or report a new fire with a precise location.