Texas
A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising
the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan,
Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing
wildfires.
As Texas moves into
the hotter and drier summer months, grasses and surface fuels will begin drying
making them more receptive to ignition.
Over the past seven
days, state and local fire resources have responded to 75 wildfires that have
burned 15,222 acres. This includes multiple new starts in North and Central
Texas. Many wildfire starts recently have been attributed to equipment use,
welding, debris burning and roadside starts.
Texas A&M Forest
Service encourages vigilance and preventative measures against human-caused
wildfires.
“During these critical
fire weather conditions, it is extremely important to remain mindful of all
outdoor activities,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Program
Coordinator. “Any activity that can create a spark, can start a wildfire.”
- Postpone outdoor
burning until conditions improve and always check for burn restrictions.
- Avoid parking and
idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite
the grass under a vehicle.
- Avoid setting hot
chainsaws or other hot, gas-powered equipment in dry grass.
- When pulling a
trailer, attach safety chains securely; loose chains can drag on the pavement
and cause sparks, igniting roadside fires.
If a wildfire is
spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save
lives and property.
For more information
on how to prevent wildfires and keep your community safe, please visit the Wildfire
Education and Prevention Facebook page, Texas A&M Forest Service Facebook
page, and the Texas A&M Forest Service website: tfsweb.tamu.edu.
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Contacts:
Mary Leathers, Capacity Building Specialist Texas A&M Forest Service, mleathers@tfs.tamu.edu
Victoria Wenkman,
Wildland Urban Interface Specialist Texas A&M Forest Service, vwenkman@tfs.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Forest
Service Communications Office, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu