Wildfire Media Resources

Learn about wildfires and tips for covering a wildfire in our guides

A large smoke plume rises above a green wooded area as a fire burns

Fire danger product

We have two National Fire Danger Rating System Fire Danger products available for use in daily broadcasts. They are published in Google Earth KMZ format and updated every day at 5 p.m. The products are updated every 2 hours from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. to account for any delays in data availability.  

The Observed Fire Danger product reflects conditions observed at 1 p.m. during the current day. The Forecast Fire Danger product is a forecast of conditions at 1 p.m. the following day. Each file contains an internal timestamp with the effective date. 

Observed Fire Danger KMZ 
Forecast Fire Danger KMZ Day 1 
Forecast Fire Danger KMZ Day 2 
Forecast Fire Danger KMZ Day 3 

All fire danger products share the same legend with five fire danger levels ranging from low to extreme.  

The RGB values for each category are: 

Low: 3,192, 60 

Moderate: 0,182,253 

High: 255, 250, 165 

Very High: 253, 154, 111 

Extreme: 255, 0, 0

Burn ban

The burn ban product is updated as needed when counties issue or lift burn bans. When a burn ban is issued, the county will become red. If no burn ban is in place, only the county boundary is visible. 

Burn Ban KMZ 

We ask that you give credit on the graphic by including our logo. Our primary white logo with transparent background is available here in multiple formats although the png format is recommended. 

If you’re interested in additional products or your software requires a different format than KMZ, please contact us at [email protected] so that we may help you find a workable solution. 

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak

National Weather Service meteorologists and Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services staff have identified the elements of an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomena known as a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks (SPWO). An SPWO is a true force of nature. Much like a hurricane or tornado, you can’t stop it. For photos and videos of SPWO wildfires, click here.   

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak social media posts

Facebook posts

Post 1:

Texas A&M Forest Service and the National Weather Service have identified an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomena known as a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, and are watching for it to occur in portions of Texas this spring. The environment conducive to an SPWO is characterized by dry vegetation, dry west-southwest winds across an area with low relative humidity, above average surface temperatures, an unstable atmosphere and clear, sunny skies. Learn more about SPWO events and how you can prepare here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 2:

SPWO events happen more often during La Niña years.

Historically, La Niña conditions translate to warmer than normal, and drier than normal, conditions for Texas during the winter and spring months. Increasing the potential for high impact wildfire weather and SPWO events. Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ for more information on SPWO events and how to prepare. #WildfireAware

Post 3:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, events are strong, wind driven wildfires that cannot be stopped. The high wind speeds associated with these events can be dangerous and may ground fire suppression aircraft.

Early evacuation is strongly encouraged to get you and your family out of harm’s way. Learn more about SPWO events and how you can prepare here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 4:

An SPWO is a force of nature, and much like a hurricane or tornado, it cannot be stopped.

Be prepared for evacuations. Build an emergency GO kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Start with the 5 P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs, priceless items. Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ for more information on SPWO events and how to prepare. #WildfireAware

Post 5:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks, or SPWOs, are strong, wind driven wildfires that can pose a significant threat to public safety. Stay wildfire aware and check with your local authorities for their plans regarding emergency communications and evacuation plans. Learn more on how to protect your home and community here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 6:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, events are an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomenon. These wildfires can often race the length of two football fields in just one minute. Stay wildfire aware! Learn more by visiting https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 7:

SPWO events are large, dangerous wildfires that can compromise escape routes with heavy smoke. Early evacuation is key! Always have two evacuation routes planned so you can safely escape. Learn more on how to prepare for wildfires at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/. #WildfireAware

Tweets

Post 1:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, events are strong, wind driven wildfires that cannot be stopped, possibly grounding wildfire suppression aircraft. Learn more here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 2:

An SPWO is a force of nature, and much like a hurricane or tornado, it cannot be stopped. Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ for more information on SPWO events and how to prepare. #WildfireAware

Post 3:

Stay wildfire aware and prepared for evacuations. Build an emergency GO kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ for more. #WildfireAware

Post 4:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks, or SPWOs, are strong, wind driven wildfires that can pose a significant threat to public safety. Stay wildfire aware and protect your home and community. Learn more: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 5:

Stay wildfire aware and check with your local authorities for their plans regarding emergency communications and evacuation plans. Learn more on how to protect your home and community here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 7:

Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, events are an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomenon. These wildfires can often race the length of two football fields per minute. Stay wildfire aware! Learn more by visiting https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/ #WildfireAware

Post 8:

SPWO events are large, dangerous wildfires that can compromise escape routes with heavy smoke. Early evacuation is key! Always have two evacuations routes planned so you can safely escape. Learn more on how to prepare for wildfires at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPWO/. #WildfireAware

Post 9:

SPWO events are dangerous wildfire weather events. Prepare early. Build an emergency “go kit” starting with enough food and water to last at least 72 hours. Include the 5 P’s:

  • People and pet supplies
  • Prescriptions
  • Papers
  • Personal needs
  • Priceless items

#WildfireAware

Resources

During times of high fire danger, the following resources may be used to help the public better understand the importance of preventing wildfires and alerting them of fire danger.

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