Faulty Catalytic Converter Responsible for 13 Grass Fires

Early in the morning, 13 small roadside fires were reported from Montague to Grenada to CAL FIRE’s Yreka Inter-Agency Command Center. Fire resources from CAL FIRE, Montague Fire Department, South Yreka Fire Protection District, and City of Yreka Fire Department collaborated effectively to contain the fires.

A recent investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has determined that these 13 grass fires were caused by a malfunctioning catalytic converter on a vehicle. This incident underscores the critical importance of proper vehicle maintenance in preventing catastrophic wildfires.

According to CAL FIRE, the faulty catalytic converter became plugged, leading to excessive heat buildup within the vehicle’s exhaust system. As a result, molten metal was ejected from the exhaust, coming into contact with dry vegetation along the roadside. This contact ignited the dry grass, sparking multiple fires in the area.

The agency is also encouraging anyone with information related to the fires or the vehicle responsible for the ignitions to contact CAL FIRE at 530-598-2620. Public cooperation is crucial in identifying the source of such incidents and preventing future occurrences.

As California continues to face the threat of wildfires, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks. By properly maintaining vehicles and reporting suspicious activities, the public can play a vital role in protecting the state’s natural resources and ensuring the safety of local communities.