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  • NEWSROOM: TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE ENCOURAGES SAFE RECREATION AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION DURING TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

    April 2, 2024

    Texas A&M Forest Service encourages safe recreation and wildfire prevention during total solar eclipse

    COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As a total solar eclipse crosses Texas on Monday, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to recreate responsibly and prevent wildfires.

    “Texans and visitors alike will travel across the state and gather on public lands to view the eclipse,” said Emily Wall, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Operating Officer Forest Resource Protection. “We encourage everyone to get outside to appreciate this rare occurrence. However, it is important that all eclipse-watchers prevent wildfires and take care of the lands that we all enjoy.”

    Consider the following tips for a fun and safe eclipse viewing experience:

    • Leave no trace. Practice responsible and respectful recreation by staying on trails, packing out trash and being mindful of wildlife and other eclipse-watchers.
    • Avoid sparking wildfires. Don’t drive or park on tall, dry grass. Be cautious of dragging chains and check tire pressure.
    • Burn it where you buy it. Help reduce the spread of invasive pests and diseases. Buy and use firewood locally.
    • Don’t leave campfires hot. Drown, stir, drown again and feel — if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. 
    Learn more and download resources to help enjoy a safe Texas Two-Step Eclipse experience: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasEclipse/

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    Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
    Karen Stafford, Fire Prevention Program Coordinator, 936-545-6991, kstafford@tfs.tamu.edu
    Information Officer, 979-255-0591, information@tfs.tamu.edu
    Communications Office, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu
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