Photo: One of four grass fires burning along I-17
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) Fire Prevention team is always ready for whatever comes their way, including extinguishing a grass fire on the way into work.
CAFMA Fire Marshal Darrell Tirpak was driving down I-17 Wednesday morning when he was passed by an Arizona State Trooper bound for an emergency call; Tirpak then saw smoke up ahead. A grass fire was burning just off the highway, so he immediately pulled over to assist the trooper.
“I grabbed the rake from my vehicle and began smothering the flames with dirt,” said Tirpak, “There were four spot fires about three miles apart on the same side of the road, most likely caused by a vehicle towing a trailer that was dragging chains.”
Firefighters from Mayer Fire District began working the other three grass fires.
Dragging chains is one of the main causes of roadside wildland fires in Arizona. The chains contact the road, creating sparks that easily light the grass on fire and can spread quickly, threatening life and property. Additionally, spot fires are challenging for firefighters as there can be multiple starts, sometimes miles apart.
CAFMA would like to remind motorists to make certain that nothing is dragging beneath their vehicles, and to check and secure tow chains each time they tow.
“The check only takes a few seconds, but it could prevent costly wildland fires,” said Tirpak.
CAFMA thanks Fire Marshal Tirpak for being ready and willing to help and encourages community members to consider carrying a shovel and fire extinguisher (safely secured) in all of their vehicles.
