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Vehicles cause 90 wildfires a year in Oregon By Mail Tribune Jul 21, 2021 12:00 AM A A I saw that vehicles can cause wildfires. How many do they cause and how do they start them? — Henry K., Medford Yes, Henry, vehicles do cause wildfires. An average of 90 wildfires are started by vehicles every year in Oregon, burning an average of 834 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. The causes include vehicles catching fire, driving over dry grass, sparks from tow chains dragging the pavement, heat from a vehicle's manifold or exhaust, vehicle accidents (such as striking power poles) and brake malfunctions. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by email to [email protected].