About the Carr Fire
The Carr Fire that broke out on Highway 299 on Carr Powerhouse Road is the sixth most destructive wildfire in California’s history, having burned more than 230,000 acres of vegetation in less than a month. More than 1000 homes, hundreds of residencies and outbuildings were completely destroyed. Shasta and Trinity County were the worst affected regions. More than $100 million have already been spent towards providing relief and recovery. About 2700 firefighters with the aid of around 150 fire engines are in action, working incessantly day and night to put out the flames that have been contained by more than 80%. The severity of damages has even prompted a presidential disaster declaration that would bring in emergency recovery and temporary housing.
Cause
Officials reported that the mechanical failure of a vehicle was the cause of the disaster. A flat tire caused the rim of the wheel to scrape the asphalt on the road which sent sparks flying. In the past, many wildfires, both in California and elsewhere in the United States, have been triggered in a similar manner by flat tires.
So what causes a flat tire?
A flat tire can result due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes have been discussed below.
- Uneven roads and sharp objects are highly likely to cause tires to get punctured.
- During the hot months of summer, especially July and August, when temperatures soar, the air inside the tires expands due to heat which in turn increases the internal pressure of the tires and this causes the tire to blow out.
- Faulty valve stems that have decayed with time and dirt can let air leak through until they completely flatten out.
- Air can also leak from between the rim and the edge of the tire – known as the tire bead.
- Wear and tear is one of the most common causes of a flat tire. There is no way to avoid it as it is only natural for tires to deteriorate with time.
Preventive Measures
- Make sure to drive slowly and safely especially over rugged terrain in order to avoid punctured tires.
- Check the air pressure in your tires before you head out for the day. You could also install a good tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that warns you well in advance when your tires are under or over inflated.
- Make sure to check the valve systems regularly for corrosion and leaks and have them replaced and fixed when required.
- You can spray your tires (after filling them fully with air) with soapy water and check if tiny bubbles emerge. This indicates that there is a leak in the tire bead.
- Frequent checks can ensure that wear and tear on tires don’t create problems while on the road.
The Carr Fire incident is not the first time a wildfire is being caused because of a flat tire. A similar incident occurred in 2016, when multiple fires burned down nearly 450 acres in the Willow Valley subdivision when a flat tire caught fire on the Mountain Ranch Road in California.
Such accidents have the potential of being devastating and even fatal. The loss of life, property and natural resources also cannot be ignored in the aftermath of such disasters.
While well maintained car tires ensure a smooth ride and a safe journey, it is important to stress how important car tire maintenance is from the perspective of community welfare. Individual vehicle owners as well as commercial establishments such as car rentals and other enterprises that use different types of vehicles for transportation and delivery must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that such accidents are avoided at all costs.