FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29,
2024
Texas A&M Forest
Service encourages Texans to prevent wildfires during dove hunting season
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — During the
upcoming Labor Day weekend and start of dove hunting season, Texans are urged
to help protect our lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities
that may cause a wildfire.
Hot and dry conditions in August
resulted in increased wildfire activity across North and Northwest Texas. Throughout
August, Texas experienced 281 wildfires that burned 24,333 acres. With rain and
increased moisture in the forecast, the risk of wildfire activity will be
reduced. However, Texans should continue to be cautious with all outdoor
activities that may cause a spark.
“Forecast rain will help to decrease
wildfire potential across most of the state,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M
Forest Service Interim Fire Chief. “We encourage everyone to be careful with
outdoor activities this holiday and throughout the fall.”
Wildfires caused by vehicles, trailers,
ATV/UTVs and other equipment frequently used while hunting and camping are
common during hunting season, which occurs each year from September to January.
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused,
and everyone can make a difference by taking personal responsibility for their actions.
Remain vigilant as drought conditions continue to expand and intensify and be
cautious with any activity that may cause a spark.
To avoid accidentally starting a
wildfire while dove hunting:
- Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass - the
heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- Always check with local officials for burn bans
or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own
burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
- If you are taking a trailer out on your
adventures, make sure that the tires are properly inflated, chains will not
contact the road and any loose metal will not continually hit anything else,
all of which can cause sparks.
- Always be ready to put out a fire should one
start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher
with you at all times.
For more
information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/.
To help prevent wildfires while grilling
outdoors, please follow these safety tips:
- Never
leave your grill unattended. Wind gusts may blow embers into dry vegetation,
potentially starting a wildfire.
- Ensure
your grill is kept clean of excess grease to prevent flare-ups.
- Place
your grill in an open space away from tall or dry grass, shrubs, woodpiles or
other flammable materials. Also, avoid placing your grill underneath a tree or
on a wooden patio deck.
- After
you are finished grilling, allow time for the coals in your grill to completely
cool. Smoldering coals may reignite and release embers, which may be blown into
nearby vegetation.
Additional fire prevention resources can
be found here https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/preventionresources/
###
Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Karen Stafford, Prevention Program Coordinator,
939-545-6991, kstafford@tfs.tamu.edu
Communications Office, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu