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Local firefighter urges QR-code labeling on trailers after three recent chain-related fires
Summary
A firefighter told the MCOG meeting that three trailer-chain-related fires occurred in a short span and urged QR-code labeling on trailers sold in California to show how to install trailer chains; the commenter also suggested low-cost mitigations such as covering chains with fire hose and urged the county to explore registration revenue from commercial vehicles.
An unidentified firefighter told the Mendocino Council of Governments that the region has experienced three trailer-chain-caused fires in a short period and urged immediate action to reduce the risk. The commenter said the incidents included a "pond fire" identified by Sheriff Matt Kendall and a separate fire in Philo and said the common cause was chain drag or improperly secured trailer chains.
The speaker said a letter, signed by the MAC, Red Valley Calpella Fire Department and the County Council of Mendocino County, proposes requiring every trailer sold in California to carry a QR code that links to instructions on how to properly attach a trailer chain. "We're boots on the ground," the commenter said, and argued that simple, low-cost mitigations such as covering chains with old fire hose could prevent future fires without expensive equipment.
The commenter also raised a separate revenue suggestion: requiring commercial vehicles that operate in Mendocino County more than 100 days a year to register locally, noting that many commercial vehicles are registered in neighboring counties and that the county may be missing registration revenue.
Why it matters: multiple local incidents and a firefighter's safety recommendation prompted public comment; the board acknowledged the concern and asked for clarifications about incident locations and follow-up.
Next steps: The board asked for a location breakdown of the incidents and indicated interest in discussing trailer-safety measures and potential outreach with local fire agencies and Caltrans.
