FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2020
Motorist parked
vehicle in dry grass igniting 9,500-acre Mays Fire in San Saba County
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Firefighters from across the state are
battling the still-growing, human-caused Mays Fire in San Saba and McCulloch
Counties. The fire ignited on Aug. 1, approximately 16 miles east of Brady,
Texas, as the result of an individual parking and idling their vehicle over
tall, dry grass. The fire has currently burned an estimated 9,500 acres and is
only 50% contained.
Over the past several days, significant wildfire activity has
increased statewide, particularly in central portions of the state where
rainfall has been minimal. Accelerated drying of vegetation has elevated the
potential for new wildfire starts.
According to Les Rogers, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief
of Fire Operations, state wildland firefighters have been very busy responding
to the increase in wildfire activity across the state. With increased activity,
out-of-state responders and equipment have been brought in, under state
control, to meet essential needs.
“Numerous out-of-state resources are currently in Texas
working together with state personnel to contain wildfires that are burning
statewide,” said Rogers.
Over the past seven days, state and local resources have
responded to 55 fires that have burned 11,607 acres. Many of the recent
wildfire starts have been attributed to humans and their activities—such as
debris burning—and are preventable.
“It is officially August in Texas, which means every day is mostly
hot and dry,” said Karen Stafford Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention
Program Coordinator. “Grasses across the state are quickly drying out and are
more susceptible to fire ignitions. Even something as simple as parking on tall
dry grass can start a wildfire in these conditions.”
Grass wildfires can spread and grow extremely fast. One of
the main causes of grass fires is driving and parking over tall, dry grass. Dry
grass will ignite at 500 degrees within seconds of contacting a hot surface,
and the exhaust and catalytic converter on vehicles can reach temperatures of
1200–1600 degrees or more, igniting the
grass underneath.
To prevent wildfires when operating a vehicle, follow these
tips:
- Avoid parking or driving in grass when possible
- Stay on designated roads and trails
- Park on asphalt when parking on the side of the
road
- Make sure chains are secure and not dragging
If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local
authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For frequent wildfire and incident updates, follow the Texas
A&M Forest Service incident information Twitter account, https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS.
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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, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu