FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2025
Prepare for
wildfires as potential continues
COLLEGE STATION, Texas ¾ As wildfire
potential continues across Texas, prepare and keep prevention top of mind.
“Dry conditions will persist into the weekend, continuing this
week’s risk for wildfires,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire
Chief. “It’s important for Texans to prepare for wildfires, work to prevent
them and heed warnings of local officials.”
Ninety percent of wildfires are caused by people and their
activities, meaning most are preventable. Help prevent wildfires by being
cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
Debris burning. Debris
burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Texas. Always check for and
follow local burn
bans and avoid burning on hot, dry or windy days.
Equipment use. Equipment
use is the second leading cause of wildfires. Keep all vehicles in good working
order and avoid parking and driving in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters
can spark dry grass.
Prepare your family for wildfire.
Create a go kit. Build a kit
with people and pet supplies, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs
and priceless items.
Plan evacuation routes. Identify at
least two evacuation routes and pre-load evacuation routes into your vehicle or
cell phone.
Follow instructions of local officials. Sign up for
local alerts and notifications from local emergency response officials.
By the direction
of Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas
A&M Forest Service has activated state and local firefighters, support
personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; federally contracted
firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers
for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting and
helicopters with firefighting capability.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, state and local firefighters have responded to
462 wildfires that have burned 9,093 acres statewide.
Learn more about the current wildfire situation and how you can
prepare at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.
Find Texas A&M Forest Service photos and video here: https://agrilife.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00004ctr0uNLkTQ/G0000SWP0ZodbSJw/Wildfire-Stock-Images-and-Videos
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Contacts:
Texas A&M Forest Service Information Officer, 979-255-0591,
information@tfs.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office, 979-458-6600, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu