By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — You may remember the Monarch Fire that burned just west of the Valley in 2025.
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Fire investigators believe someone dragging chains behind a car started the wildfire—a common issue in the state. A longtime Arizona resident was inspired to do something to help.
Arizona’s Family first introduced you to Lynn Preble in July of last year. The retired teacher and children’s book author has lived in Arizona since the 1970s and loves the diversity of the state, from the landscape to the people. Preble got to thinking about what kind of material would sustain hitting the ground on a chain. Her brother is a retired firefighter, so he helped as well.
“I know if we do it right, they shouldn’t hit. We know that,” she said. “Things happen, and it’s a simple thing to put on there just in case something happens.”
She started creating tow chain covers made out of firehoses, calling them “Operation Spark Arrest.” Preble did some research and found a fire department in northern California doing something similar.
Preble distributes them for free in stores across the Valley and hopes that even getting the product out there will start conversation and make people think twice about preparing their chains.
Since last summer Preble tells Arizona’s Family she’s passed out thousands, and the product is now in more than 20 locations across the state.
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“The response since I have started distributing this has been insane,” she recently told Arizona’s Family. “After last year’s interview with you all, it just took off.”
She does not take money or donations, only the materials if fire departments and companies can spare them. Preble encourages folks who want to help to donate to local fire departments or wildland crews.
“Go out, enjoy outside, but do it safe,” she said. “If you have a trailer, please get a pair of these. If you’re having a fire out there, if we are allowed to, which is not always the case, put it out. Do it right.”
Here is more information on how to stay safe this season.
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