Categories: Big Sur

Firewise Free Tow Chain covers program

New Free Tow-chain Cover Program: Prevent roadside sparks – Prevent Wildfires!

A leading cause of wildfire in our county is dragging tow chains that spark and ignite roadside vegetation. To prevent this, Robles Firewise and Tularcitos Ridge Firewise volunteers have joined forces to provide FREE tow-chain covers made from retired firehose.

In the coming weeks, you can find free tow-chain covers in buckets like those pictured below throughout Carmel Valley (and eventually throughout Monterey county) at gas stations, hardware stores, Hacienda Hay & Feed, the Trail & Saddle Club, etc. and In Cachagua, buckets will be placed at neighborhood mailboxes.

Simply unscrew the hooks on your trailer chains, slide the cover over the chain, and re-attach your hooks. 

Special thanks to state and local fire departments and Carmel Valley CERT for donating the hose; to Alfredo Mendieta for helping translate the signs into Spanish; to Meredith May, Laura Anderson, Steve Park, Jenn Jackson, and Steve Imbimbo of Tularcitos Ridge Firewise, and Stacey Wood and Alondra Valdez Klemek of Robles Firewise Group for collecting supplies, cutting hose, laminating signs, and assembling and/or distributing the buckets.

If you are interested in having a bucket at your place of business; if you need to request a refill of tow-chain covers; or you would like to volunteer to cut more hose for the program, please go to either www.Roblesfirewise.com

Or www.Tularcitosridgefirewise.com

bigsurkate

Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.

View Comments

  • A great big thank you to both Robles & Tularcitos Firewise for making this happen! It is so needed.

  • Excuse my ignerance, but is it legal to tow another vehicle on public road/highways with a chain? Straps solve the problem if it is.

    If the metal chain (of any kind) comes in contact with the road surface, it seems that the hose might wear out, exposing the critical part of the chain and provide a false sense of security.

  • The tow chain is a backup feature in case the actual hitch fails. I don't know whether it's legal to tow with a chain only, but I do know it's not smart.

Recent Posts

A message from Fr. Ignatius M. Tully, Prior of New Camaldoli Hermitage

Subject: An Update from New Camaldoli Dear Oblates, Friends and Members of the Camaldolese Family,…

7 hours ago

Big Sur River Run

Subject: Important Update — Big Sur River Run and Park Closure Dear Big Sur River…

1 day ago

Winter 2026-2027, El Niño, 9/29

From my favorite climate scientist, Dr. Daniel Swain, at weatherwest.com “There has been quite a…

2 days ago

Photo Sunday – Plaskett Aftermath, 9/27 (photos taken over the course of the last few days)

PLEASE; THE FOREST IS CLOSED. DO NOT ENTER. The land, the critters, and the people…

4 days ago

Special Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, 9/28

Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Meeting SPECIAL MEETING Monday, September 28, 2026 10:00 a.m. Big…

7 days ago

Fall Equinox

1 week ago

This website uses cookies.