A county in northern California is pushing a brake fire crackdown to prevent roadside fires this summer. 

Placer County is stepping up efforts to prevent semi truck brake fires and the subsequent roadside fires along Interstate 80 through the Sierra this summer with a push for preventative measures. June 16th was the official beginning of the California Trucking Association’s Brake Safety Awareness Week. 

According to a Press Release, Placer County officials hosted an informational webinar involving the California Trucking Association, Caltrans, Cal Fire, and the California Highway Patrol on Tuesday, June 19th. The webinar reiterated the requirement that all commercial vehicles are required to inspect their brakes before descending on I-80, but acknowledged that many truck drivers may skip this step. The webinar also outlined brake inspection strategies, managing overheated brakes in designated brake check areas, and preventative maintenance tips. 

Officials say that more than 60 roadside fires were linked to failing brake systems last year, and that a combination of driver education and proper brush management will help to reduce the number of fires this year. 

“This effort is about prevention, awareness, and working together to keep our foothill and mountain towns safe,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “We must enhance safety precautions and increase awareness among truck drivers traveling I-80,” she continued. “Brake fires not only endanger the drivers themselves but pose a serious wildfire threat to our small, vulnerable foothill and mountain communities. We’re taking coordinated action to protect lives, property and the natural beauty of our region.”

“This time of year, it doesn’t take much to set dry roadside brush on fire. Safety is a top priority for our CTA members, so we want to prepare them with the best information to avoid brake fires. This webinar plays an important part in that effort,” said Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association.

Vegetation management is currently being conducted along I-80 between Colfax and Blue Canyon. Education, enforcement, and mitigation efforts regarding the dangers of brake fires will continue throughout the summer. 

“Preventing wildfires along the I-80 corridor requires a united effort,” CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department Chief Brian Estes said. “Everyone, from truck drivers to state agencies to local communities, must take preventative measures to ensure that a spark from a brake fire doesn’t become a devastating wildfire in our beautiful Sierra Nevada.”