NEWS RELEASE
PSA
ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION FOR 2026 NATIONAL OHV SAFETY WEEK
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
June 8, 2026
damador@quietwarriorracing.com
DONSQUATCH SAYS HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES ON FOREST ROADS AND TRAILS
*NOTE TO EDITOR: Donsquatch
is the official OHV wildfire prevention and post-fire recovery mascot for Quiet
Warrior Racing LLC. His message is
designed to remind the motorized recreation community to help prevent wildfires
from destroying natural, cultural, and recreation resources as part of his
support for the 2026 National OHV Safety Week that runs from June 13 – 21.
REDDING, CA - As
summer temperatures rise across the West and fire danger increases on our
public lands, Donsquatch wants to remind riders that protecting our forests,
trails, and riding opportunities starts with each of us. Wildfires are no
longer isolated seasonal events. Across California and the Pacific Northwest,
repeated megafires have damaged trail systems, destroyed recreation
infrastructure, impacted wildlife habitat, and stretched the capacity of
firefighters and land managers to keep up with recovery efforts. The good news
is that the OHV community can play an important role in preventing human-caused
fires and helping keep our public lands open for future generations.
One of the most important wildfire prevention tools for
OHV users is ensuring your motorcycle, ATV, UTV, Jeep, or 4x4 is equipped with
a properly functioning spark arrestor. The USDA Forest Service specifically
requires spark arrestors that meet Forest Service standards for OHV operations
in fire-prone environments because hot carbon particles expelled from exhaust
systems can ignite dry vegetation under the right conditions. The Forest
Service Wildland Fire OHV Standard repeatedly identifies spark arrestors as
mandatory safety equipment for wildfire operations and public land vehicle
use.
Donsquatch also reminds riders to inspect vehicles before
every ride. Dry grass and pine needles can accumulate near exhaust systems,
skid plates, brakes, and engine compartments where heat can create ignition
risks. Carrying a small fire extinguisher, shovel, and basic emergency gear is
becoming increasingly important during peak fire season. Riders should also
avoid parking vehicles in tall dry grass and should never idle vehicles
unnecessarily during extreme heat events.
Responsible riding behavior matters too. Stay on
designated routes, obey seasonal closures, and respect emergency fire
restrictions. Land managers often implement temporary closures not to punish
recreation users, but to reduce ignition risks and allow firefighters safe
access during critical fire conditions. Ignoring closures or driving around
barriers not only damages natural resources but can jeopardize future access
for everyone.
Another growing concern involves overloaded or improperly
modified OHVs operating in rugged terrain during extreme summer conditions. The
Forest Service OHV safety guidance emphasizes the importance of proper vehicle
maintenance, safe modifications, adequate cooling systems, and compliance with
manufacturer recommendations to reduce breakdowns and operational hazards in
wildfire environments. Many riders take
pride in customizing their rigs, but safety and reliability should always come
first when operating on public lands during fire season.
Donsquatch also encourages the OHV community to support
local volunteer trail crews, post-fire recovery projects, and stewardship
partnerships with agencies and nonprofits. Across the West, volunteers and
recreation groups are helping reopen trails, repair damaged infrastructure,
remove hazard trees, restore watersheds, and educate the public about
sustainable recreation. Those partnerships are becoming increasingly important
as agencies struggle with staffing shortages, deferred maintenance, and the
growing pace and scale of wildfire impacts.
The bottom line is simple: every rider has a role to play
in protecting the lands we love. Responsible OHV use, proper equipment,
wildfire awareness, and good stewardship are no longer optional—they are
essential to keeping trails open and helping forests recover.
Donsquatch likes to say: “We Ride. We Care. We Restore.” And together, we help protect our forests,
our trails, and the future of responsible OHV recreation.
AMERICAN TRAILS
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/promoting-responsible-recreation
RIDEOHV.COM
https://rideohv.com/ohv-safety-week/
# # #
Don Amador is a
longtime public lands advocate with over 30 years of experience in recreation
policy, trail stewardship, OHV safety training, post-wildfire recovery, and
collaborative land management. Don is also former Chair of the CA State Parks Off-Highway
Vehicle Recreation Commission.
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