Missoula, Mont. — Fire officials are urging people to be careful outdoors around the Fourth of July because dry summer conditions can quickly turn everyday activities into fire risks.

Philip Keating with the Missoula Fire Department said even cars can start a fire if people are not paying attention.

“Obviously don't park in tall dead grass. The muffler is probably going to catch the grass on fire. You also need to make sure that your chains aren't dragging, [and] you don't have anything dragging behind your vehicles,” said Philip Keating, assistant fire chief with the Missoula Fire Department.

The National Park Service reported that 85% of wildfires are caused by people. Unattended campfires are often part of the problem.

Betsy Pickhardt with Montana DNRC shared basic campfire safety steps for people heading outside.

“Never leave it unattended, always use existing fire rings. Before you leave, make sure that you drown that fire completely. Make sure that it's cold to the touch. Drown. Stir. Feel. Drown. Stir. Feel again,” said Betsy Pickhardt, community preparedness and fire prevention specialist with Montana DNRC.

Keating also warned that even grilling can pose risks.

“With briquettes, make sure that you're disposing them properly in a metal bucket. Filling with water, cold to the touch. If you're a smoker, make sure that you properly dispose of all your cigarette butts,” said Keating.

Keating and Pickhardt also reminded people that fireworks are illegal on all state and federal land.