![Sparks Start Grass Fires West of Hamilton](http://townsquare.media/site/118/files/2017/07/grassfire-729.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Sparks Start Grass Fires West of Hamilton
Hamilton Fire Chief Brad Mohn suspects a tow chain that was hanging too low caused the sparks that started four grass fires along the West Side Road of Hamilton.
The fires happened early Saturday afternoon, July 29, with temperatures in the upper 90s.
Only an acre burned before the firemen put out the four fires, but homes could've been in danger. Hamilton and Corvallis Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the fast-moving fires.
Besides all the other warnings we issue this time of year, the safety chains used when towing a trailer are another safety hazard if they are too long. Often, the motorist never knows if the fire was caused by his vehicle. So, take some time and check your trailer safety chains.
And while we're talking about vehicles and grass fires, don't park in tall grass. The hot catalytic converter under your car can easily start a fire.
Ravalli County, Missoula County and the Bitterroot National Forest are under Stage II fire restrictions. No campfires and no smoking.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![UM students model the Clark Fork River, Smurfit contamination](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-smurfit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bitterroot National Forest Needs Campground Hosts This Summer](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-featured-image-2024-03-19T154241.445.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tour Defends Against Financial Scams on Montana’s Elderly](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-featured-image-2024-03-13T134239.314.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Want an Exciting Job? Forest Service Wants Montana Firefighters](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-FirefightersRoaringLion.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula County considers gravel pit expansion in residential zone](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/02/attachment-attachment-gravel.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 Small Fires Caused By ‘Grinder Train’ Near Frenchtown](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2017/07/Frenchtown-Train-Caused-Fire-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How They Made It: Missoula Teens Trapped Under Power Lines](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-July-tstorm-Trapped-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula Debris Drop-Off Sites are Being Overwhelmed by Trees](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS42274_GettyImages-146080270-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula Crime Report: Heat Wave Leads to Crime Wave](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS24911_GettyImages-1009355852-scr1.jpg?w=980&q=75)