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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
-Fire Danger
+Wildland Fire Response
Fire Department Reporting
+Law Enforcement
TWPP
The 2011 wildfire season was the most devastating for Texas. Four of the largest wildfires recorded in Texas history occurred that season. The long recovery and reforestation process can seem overwhelming, but the following resources will provide needed assistance after a fire.
If your forest has been damaged this year by wildfire and you would like help returning it to a productive state, please complete and submit the form provided in the link below. A Texas A&M Forest Service forester will contact you and help you get on the road to recovery.
Request assistance with forest recovery after a wildfire
Wildfire Salvage Operations
Texas A&M Forest Service, along with partners of the Bastrop Recovery Project, lead the effort in the recovery and restoration of natural resources damaged and lost due to the wildfire in Central Texas.
Financial Assistance Programs for Private Landowners
Preventing Soil Erosion After a Fire
Technical Guide (PDF,4MB): Wildfire Recovery: Protecting your Property from Soil Erosion
Reforesting after a wildfire
Tree Planting
How to Plant a Seedling: video tutorial
How to Plant a Seedling Brochure (PDF, 4MB)
Trees for Bastrop Recovery
Lost Pines Seed Mixes
Liability for Hazardous Trees (PDF, 270KB)
Dealing With Standing Dead Snags
Controlling Brush After a Fire
Managing Wildlife After the Wildfire
Feeding Wildlife
What About the Houston Toad?
Minimizing Impacts to the Endangered Houston Toad (PDF, 41KB)
Agricultural Management Considerations
The First Evidence of Recovery
Fire-maintained Ecosystems
People and their activities cause more than 90 percent of all wildfires in Texas. The largest number of human-caused wildfires is a result of careless debris burning. Other causes of wildfires include sparks from welding and grinding equipment, carelessly discarded smoking materials, vehicles’ exhaust systems and arson.
How are you preparing your ranch for a possible wildfire? Check out our new Texas Ranch Wildfire Program created to work with landowners to identify priority areas, boundaries and other factors on their ranches to allow firefighters to make tactical decisions that reflect each landowner's priorities.
Research reinforces what much of the forestry community already knows — that trees have a positive impact on human health. Learn more.
Southern Area Type 1 Incident Management Red Team to Assist on Copper Breaks Fire The Southern Area Type 1 Incident Management Red Team arrived in Texas this week to assist with the Copper Breaks Fire in Hardeman County. The Copper Breaks Fire is approximately 11 miles southwest of Quanah, Texas, and is currently 8,380 acres and 40% contained.
Central Texas airtanker base activated to help fight wildfires across the state Texas A&M Forest Service is opening the Austin Airtanker Base at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to assist with increased wildfire activity across the state.
Welding operations spark wildfires Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.