FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2020
Wildfire Potential Increases This Weekend Across Portions of
Panhandle and West Texas
AMARILLO, Texas — Wildfire potential will increase this
weekend and into the middle of next week across West Texas, including areas
around Abilene, Childress, Lubbock and Amarillo.
A ridge of high pressure over Texas is producing hot and dry
conditions and rapidly drying vegetation, including grass and brush across West
Texas.
“The combination of underlying drought, dry vegetation, hot
temperatures and dry air has increased the risk for wildfire occurrence for
parts of West Texas and is forecast to persist into next week” said Luke
Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Analyst. “Wind speed will also be
highest in West Texas this weekend and into next week, which can increase the
potential for wildfire spread”.
Portions of the Texas Panhandle region will experience critical
fire weather conditions due
to a combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and breezy wind speeds
Friday and Saturday. According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo,
there is also lightning induced fire threat from any thunderstorms moving
through the area.
Texas
A&M Forest Service resources have responded to 18 requests for assistance
on wildfires across the state that have burned 7,608 acres while local fire departments
have responded to 20 wildfires for 271 acres since Tuesday, June 9.
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 State Prevention 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.
Follow
your local meteorologist or the National Weather Service for weather updates.
Follow
@AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for frequent Texas incident information.
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Texas
A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Texas
A&M Forest Service Information Officer, 979-255-0591, information@tfs.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Forest
Service Communications Office, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu