During the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, a Honda motorcycle was found intact and in full working order after being exposed to intense flames.
Os forest fires that plague Los Angeles continue to devastate residential areas, leaving a trail of undoing. Amidst the chaos, unusual stories are emerging, one of them involving a Honda motorcycle.
One case that caught attention involved the young man Ryder Pittman, who found his Honda CRF80 partially destroyed, but still functional. Although the fire consumed almost everything around it, the motorcycle was an unlikely survivor.
A video posted by Ryder's father, Kenneth Pittman, shows the teen trying to start the vehicle.
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Surprisingly, the bike responded almost immediately, even with melted fairings, compromised tires and a ruined seat.
The video went viral, with Kenneth noting on Instagram that the only thing that survived the fire was Ryder's motorcycle.
This type of story is nothing new to motor enthusiasts. There are similar stories of vehicles that have defied the impossible, such as a Toyota Tacoma that also survived a fire.
The owner shared images and videos showing the critical condition of the truck, which, despite being damaged, was still working.
The History of the Honda CRF80
Launched as a transitional model, the bike was designed for young riders who wanted to migrate from smaller vehicles to more robust models.
Equipped with an 80cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the model was widely praised for its simplicity and reliability.
Another highlight was the five-speed manual transmission, which introduced riders to the use of the clutch. In addition, its lightweight frame and robust suspension made it ideal for rough terrain.
For years, motocross schools have used the CRF80 for training, cementing its reputation as one of the most reliable and easy-to-handle motorcycles.
However, with technological evolution, production of the CRF80 was discontinued in the 2010s. It was replaced by more modern models, such as the CRF110, which incorporate innovations such as electronic injection and greater environmental efficiency.
Forest fires in Los Angeles
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire (Cal Fire), 95% of fires are caused by human activities.
These statistics range from carelessness, such as poorly extinguished fires and cigarette butts, to more complex causes, such as failures in equipment and electrical transmission lines.
David Acuña, battalion chief for Cal Fire, emphasizes that not all of these fires are arson-caused, but the impact is devastating. “We need the public's help to prevent further sparks", he said.
Acuña warns about the dangers of activities such as cutting grass on rocky terrain or dragging vehicle chains, which can generate sparks and start fires.
Wind and Fire: A Deadly Combination
The strong winds that are hitting California make the situation even worse. They not only spread the flames quickly, but also make it difficult for firefighting teams to work.
In an environment where any spark could trigger a new disaster, authorities reinforce the importance of preventive measures.
Vehicle generation and maintenance are also on the radar. Acuña mentions that hot parts, such as catalytic converters, can reach temperatures of up to 2.000 degrees and start fires when they come into contact with dry vegetation.
He emphasizes that this is not the time for negligence. “Every small action counts to avoid bigger tragedies", alert.