Prevent wildfires with smart and safe ATV/UTV practices

Oct 17, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Key safety practices for ATV and UTV operators

The risk of wildfires in North Dakota has prompted state agencies to call on ATV and UTV operators to prioritize fire safety. These tips can easily be followed by all ATV and UTV riders.

Angie Johnson, a safety coordinator at NDSU Extension, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, "All it takes is one spark to start a fire." This underscores the need for operators to engage in preventative measures actively.

Riding responsibly involves adhering to several safety practices. Operators should ensure that their vehicles do not have any loose chains or metal parts that could strike rocks and spark a fire. It is also essential to monitor tire pressure to avoid driving on rims, which can produce sparks. Keeping off tall, dry grass and ensuring that brake pads are not worn down to metal are additional precautions that can prevent fires.

Maintaining the vehicle's spark arrester is critical to preventing sparks from escaping the exhaust system. Operators are encouraged to carry tools like shovels and fire extinguishers when riding in areas with a high risk of fire.

Regular vehicle cleaning is also vital in fire prevention. Angie Johnson advises thorough cleanings to remove flammable materials like dried leaves and twigs from undercarriages and frames. These cleanings also provide an opportunity to inspect the vehicle for any issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Photo Credit: Bobcat Company

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That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.