Think Before You Use Equipment

Negligent equipment use is the third-leading cause of wildfires in South Carolina. Learn how to use and maintain equipment in ways that can prevent sparking fires.

Each year, people using chainsaws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, welders, grinders, bulldozers, farm harvesting equipment, off-road vehicles and other equipment that generate sparks, start numerous fires. People who use equipment on or near dry grass and brush are encouraged to take a few simple precautions to prevent wildfires:

• Check blades, bearings and belts prior to use to ensure good working order.
• Check brakes and tires for proper inflation and tire condition.
• Check fire conditions for possible fire danger before you operate equipment.
• Comply with any conditions or restrictions regarding equipment use in your area.
• Do not park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. The exhaust system on a vehicle can reach a temperature of more than 1,000°F; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a wildfire in the summer.
• Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion powered equipment.