OHV wildfire prevention mascot encourages riders to do their part during National OHV Safety Week
As summer temperatures rise across the West and fire danger increases on public lands, Donsquatch is reminding riders that protecting forests, trails, and riding opportunities starts with individual responsibility.
Donsquatch, the official OHV wildfire prevention and post-fire recovery mascot for Quiet Warrior Racing LLC, is helping spread awareness as part of the 2026 National OHV Safety Week, which runs June 13-21.
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, according to the campaign, is that the OHV community can play an important role in preventing human-caused fires and helping keep public lands open for future generations.
One of the most important wildfire prevention tools for OHV users is ensuring motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, and 4×4 vehicles are equipped with properly functioning spark arrestors. The USDA Forest Service 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 identifies spark arrestors as mandatory safety equipment for wildfire operations and public land vehicle use.
Donsquatch also encourages 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 are also urged to avoid parking vehicles in tall dry grass and should never idle vehicles unnecessarily during extreme heat events.
Responsible riding behavior remains another important component of wildfire prevention. Riders are encouraged to 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. 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 vehicles, 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 continue to face staffing shortages, deferred maintenance, and the growing pace and scale of wildfire impacts.
The message from Donsquatch is straightforward: every rider has a role to play in protecting the lands they enjoy. 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.
As Donsquatch likes to say, “We Ride. We Care. We Restore.”
Together, riders can help protect forests, trails, and the future of responsible OHV recreation.
Don Amador is a longtime public lands advocate with over 30 years of experience in recreation policy, trail stewardship, and collaborative land management and former Chair of the CA State Parks OHMVR Commission.
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