Stuck Jeep Wrangler Burns Down 20 Acres of Florida National Forest
A Jeep Wrangler’s exhaust system set fire to ‘more than 20 acres’ of the Ocala National Forest.
It’s a Jeep. It can handle it, right? Right? In this case, not so much. This week, a driver got their Jeep Wrangler JK stuck in the gooey stuff off-trail in Florida’s Ocala National Forest. According to Florida news outlet WESH 2, the Wrangler JK “burned more than 20 acres” when its hot exhaust system ignited some dry grass and flora in the area.
Photos provided by the Florida Forest Service show the fire, the aftermath of the blaze, and the immolated four-door Wrangler. Fortunately, forest service fire crews and Lake County Fire Rescue battled the blaze and kept an eye out for hot spots the next morning. Needless to say, this Jeep JK isn’t doing any more off-roading anytime soon.
Stuck in the Mud
It’s a reminder for Jeep Wrangler fans and off-roaders alike to think things through and be prepared. For starters, sticking to the trail is a wise move. Only go off-trail where doing so is authorized. Have a plan for getting stuck. Try selecting a low gear and accelerate steadily; don’t just hammer the accelerator and expect it to miracle you out of the mire. In the worst cases, it’s important to have access to a winch, tow strap, anchor, or, better yet, a recovery vehicle.
As for the fire, an ABC extinguisher won’t do much to stop a fast-moving wildland fire, but it’s a must for any serious off-roader. And, like in this unfortunate case, it’s a smart move to clear dried grass or other flammable materials near heat-generating sources such as exhaust systems. After all, your exhaust can reach or even exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the application. That’s more than enough heat to light grasslands on fire. Be smart out there, folks.
Photos: Florida Forest Service
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