Manchester Fire Chief: “Don’t Park on Leaf Piles”

Manchester’s fire chief is warning of a possible fire hazard during the fall months.

Chief Randy Rattenborg says he recently received a call about vehicles parking on top of leaf piles.

Rattenborg is discouraging drivers from doing so – he notes dry leaves can ignite at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, while a vehicle’s exhaust system or catalytic converter can reach up to 1,000°F. Even after the engine is turned off, hot metal surfaces on the car can easily ignite dry leaves. 

Rattenborg says a few leaves under a vehicle are fine – but if the pile is up to the bottom of the vehicle, you’ll want to find another place to park or you may risk your vehicle going up in flames. 

This can also apply to cornstalks getting packed under a vehicle after driving through a field. He recommends checking to make sure debris isn’t packed up under the vehicle.