COLLEGE
STATION, Texas — Critical fire weather is forecast through Sunday for portions
of North and West Texas with Friday holding the most potential for wildfire
activity, particularly in the panhandle.
Texas A&M Forest Service has prepositioned resources across
the area including three single engine air tankers and an air attack platform
in Childress, and two large airtankers and an aerial supervision module in
Abilene to support suppression efforts as requested.
“Wildfire potential increases through the weekend as strong winds,
above normal temperatures and low humidity align with dry fuels,” said Brad Smith, Texas
A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “The
footprint of critically dry fuels will continue to expand south and east as we
experience above normal temperatures and little rainfall.”
Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious when
participating in activities that may cause a spark this holiday season. Ninety percent of wildfires in Texas are human caused, and during
the winter holiday season, debris burning and equipment use make up 68 percent
of all wildfires.
“These starts
include brush pile burning, burning leaves, unsafe burning of household trash,
loose trailer chains, welding and more,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M
Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. “We urge Texans to be mindful of
any outdoor activity that may cause a spark this holiday.”
Holiday debris
burning and recycling
In Texas, careless debris burning causes the largest
number of human-caused wildfires. Unsafe burning of wrapping paper, giftboxes and
Christmas trees after the holidays could spark outdoor fires.
When debris
burning, always check with local officials first. Burn responsibly by keeping
your burn pile small, locating the pile at least 150 feet away from buildings,
having a water source within reach in case the fire escapes and staying with
your fire until it is completely out.
Recycling can serve as an alternative to debris
burning.
“For wrapping paper, the “scrunch” test is an easy
way to tell if paper is recyclable or not,” said Stafford. “If you scrunch a
piece of paper into a ball in your hand and the paper stays in a ball, it can be
recycled.”
Only plain wrapping paper can be recycled, meaning
no metallic, glitter or textured paper, nor can tape, ribbons or bows.
Real Christmas trees are also recyclable, and
renewable. Check with your local waste management company, a nearby garden
center or local conservation organization to find out if Christmas tree
recycling is available in your area. Trees can also be mulched and even put
into ponds to create fish habitats. For more information on sustainable ways to dispose of your
Christmas tree, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/content/article.aspx?id=30659.
Travel safety
A significant number of wildfires are started by
equipment, including vehicles, each year. If you have plans to travel this
holiday season, please take the time to inspect your vehicle before you take to
the highways.
Underinflated and failing tires are a large wildfire
hazard as wheel rims may produce sparks when contact is made with pavement.
Make sure your tires have been checked for air pressure and any holes before
traveling.
Avoid
driving and parking in tall, dry grass as the underside of your vehicle may
start wildfires if exposed to dry vegetation.
Dragging
chains may also create a spark. Secure trailer safety chains to ensure they
will not come in contact with the road.
Fireworks safety
When using fireworks during the holidays, don’t let your fun turn into
flames. Fireworks should always be used outdoors on flat, smooth surfaces and
away from dry grass and flammable materials. Check for local restrictions on fireworks
and burn bans before use. Always have a water sourced nearby and call 9-1-1 immediately
if a fire starts.
Practice fire safety while enjoying the outdoors
Campfires can be
a great source of warmth and fuel for cooking but be sure to keep safety in
mind when starting one. Locate a safe spot for your campfire, away from
anything flammable and far from overhead hazards. Pile up rocks around your
fire to help keep the wind out and fire embers in. When you are done with your
campfire, fully extinguish it. Drown, stir and feel the area for heat. Hold
your hand just above the wet ashes - if you feel any residual heat, continue to
add water and stir. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
If awildfireisspotted,immediatelycontactlocalauthorities.Aquickresponse can help save lives and property.
To check for local burn bans, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
For
more information on wildfire prevention ,please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/winterwildfireprevention/.
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Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office,979-458-6606,newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu
TexasA&MForestServicePublicInformationOfficer,979-255-0591,information@tfs.tamu.edu