LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The huge wildfire that forced the closure of the heart of U.S. Yosemite National Park in California this summer was caused by a superheated vehicle component, said authorities.
Investigators believed superheated pieces of a catalytic converter of a vehicle ignited dry vegetation roadside, said the U.S. Forest Service in a press release on Friday.
The vehicle involved has not been located and officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Sierra National Forest.
The huge wildfire, dubbed Ferguson Fire, started on July 13, along Highway 140 in the Sierra National Forest in Mariposa County. The fire burned 96,901 acres (387.6 square km) of the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and state lands. It was declared fully contained on Aug. 22.
Two firefighters lost their lives fighting the blaze and 19 were injured.
The Yosemite National Park, one of the most visited national parks located in the western U.S. state of California, was forced to be closed 20 days to visitors in its peak tourist season.
The destructive fire didn't reach the heart of the park, but it burned in remote areas, making roads inaccessible, choking the park with smoke and forcing the Yosemite Valley and other areas to be closed along with hundreds of campsites and hotels. Some 4 million visitors flock to the park each year.
Firefighters said fighting the fire cost a total of 116.9 million U.S. dollars. During the most dangerous time, a total of 910 people were battling the blaze on the scene, aided by 51 fire engines and 3 helicopters.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along roadways.
The agency noted that nearly all these fires could be prevented with proper vehicle maintenance and safety measures, including practicing safe towing with secure chains, maintaining vehicles to be sure there are no dragging parts, carrying a fire extinguisher, properly maintaining brakes and tire pressure, and not driving or parking on dry grass or brush.
