Wildfire Risk

An assessment of the economic and environmental risk from wildfire in Texas.

https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fire-Triangle-Activity.pdf

A southern plains wildfire outbreak warning

a southern plain wildfire outbreak warning

A winter wildfire weather warning

A script for the winter fire weather warning

Facebook Posts Post 1: Texas A&M Forest Service and the National Weather Service have identified an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomena known as a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, and are watching for it to occur in portions of Texas this spring. The environment conducive to an SPWO is characterized by dry vegetation, dry […]

A map displaying the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index, which measures drought which runs from 0 – 800, with 0 being a wet soil, and 800 an extremely dry soil.

A product depicting expected future fire danger based on National Weather Service weather forecasts.

The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, TxWRAP, shows risk in your area and offers resources for wildfire risk.

Information on preventing oil rig fires

Information on prevention camp fires while hunting

Information on using caution when welding and grinding

Information on using caution with fireworks

Extremely critical fire weather conditions are expected to be widespread in the Texas Panhandle tomorrow near Amarillo, Borger, Canadian, Childress, Lubbock, Pampa and Perryton.

The largest wildfire in Texas history is actively burning today. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is burning a total of 1,075,000 acres across Texas and Oklahoma and is 3% contained.

The May 2023 revised plan of the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan.

Hot summers and wildfires are not new to the South. Nor is interagency cooperation in responding to and suppressing wildfires. But this summer has been far from normal.

Texas communities at risk of wildfires can now apply for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. Available funding is intended to help at-risk communities plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

The most-asked question of college students is – “what are you going to do when you graduate?”

The Plantersville-Stoneham Volunteer Fire Department sits across from the town’s Baptist church on F.M. 1774 and is otherwise surrounded mostly by pastureland.

Central Texas landowners can apply April 1, 2023 for the SFAM Mechanical Fuels Reduction Grant to help reduce risks posed to their property by wildfire.

The tree landscape in Texas is made up by a variety of species. From ponderosa pines in West Texas to oaks in Central Texas to dogwoods in East Texas, trees play a vital role in our ecosystem and provide countless benefits.

The potential for wildfire activity increases this week as cold fronts are forecast to impact the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting resources are prepared to respond to wildfires as a cold front moves into the state this week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans to be careful with activities that may cause a wildfire this hunting season.

Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 this week due to increased wildfire activity, particularly in the eastern half of the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service fire analysts warn of wildfire activity, including the potential for significant wildfires, through Friday in the Western Pineywoods, Southeast and Central Texas.

As hot and dry conditions persist, extremely dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity across much of the state, even as surface moisture increases in some areas.

Hot and dry conditions across the state of Texas will create high wildfire potential through the weekend.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

The Texas fire environment will support increased wildfire activity through the weekend, as hot and dry conditions persist across the state.

This Memorial Day, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to protect our great state by being mindful of activities that may start a wildfire

There is potential for large wildfires to occur in the Western/Eastern Hill Country and Rolling Plains through Friday including areas near Childress, Vernon, Abilene, Brownwood, Lampasas, San Angelo, Ozona and Fredericksburg.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur Thursday through the weekend in areas near Canadian, Amarillo, Childress, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland and Alpine.

A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak is possible Tuesday in the Texas Panhandle.

A National Fire Prevention Education Team (NFPET) was brought in to assist Texas A&M Forest Service with wildfire prevention messaging.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through the weekend as more areas across the state will be characterized by dry to extremely dry surface fuels.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur today that may outpace firefighters’ suppression efforts in areas near Childress, Lubbock, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Midland, San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Del Rio, Laredo and Brownsville.

Wildfire potential increases today for large, difficult to control wildfires to occur in Southwest Texas, specifically for areas near Del Rio, San Angelo, San Antonio and Laredo.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase along and west of I-35 and into South Texas through the weekend.

Increased wildfire activity will be supported Friday through Sunday by warm and dry conditions and critically dry vegetation in the Western Plains, Hill Country and Cross Timbers.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase Friday through Monday along and west of I-35 and into South Texas as dormant vegetation dries and becomes receptive to fire ignitions.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through Wednesday as an active weather pattern aligns with dry vegetation across the landscape.

Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today in anticipation of an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.

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 positioned firefighting personnel and equipment in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains in preparation for forecasted elevated to critical fire weather in the areas, with anticipation of conditions becoming progressively worse today, tomorrow and into the weekend.

Wildfire potential is increase Tuesday through Thursday across portions of the state, including the Western Plains, Trans Pecos and Rio Grand Valley.

Recent rainfall observed across most of the state has significantly reduced wildfire activity and the potential for large fire growth.

The footprint of wildfire potential has decreased for a large portion of the state after a multi-day rain event. However, the potential for wildfire ignitions will remain high in southwest Texas where critically dry fuels remain.

The return of widespread triple digit temperatures Friday through Sunday will increase the rate of drying in vegetation, resulting in increased risk of wildland fire occurrence. Minimal rainfall from Hurricane Laura was observed west of Interstate 35 where critically dry fuels are present.

Dry air will persist over the state through the weekend, contributing to increased rates of drying in vegetation. Wildfire activity and fuel dryness is continuing to expand north and east into higher population centers.

Continued hot and dry conditions across much of the state have resulted in increased wildfire activity, particularly in north central Texas and in areas along the Interstate-35 corridor. Activity and fuel dryness is expanding north and east into higher population centers, including further east along the Interstate-45 corridor as well.

Wildfire activity has increased statewide with hot and dry conditions. This pattern of activity is expected to continue as the state moves into late summer.

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.

Significant wildfire activity has increased statewide, and accelerated drying has elevated the potential for new wildfire ignitions. New wildfires will become increasingly difficult to extinguish if current temperatures and drying conditions persist into August as forecasted.

Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan, Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing wildfires.

Wildfire potential will increase this weekend and into the middle of next week across West Texas, including areas around Abilene, Childress, Lubbock and Amarillo.

People and their activities cause more than 90 percent of wildfires in Texas. This holiday season, Texas A&M Forest Service urges everyone to be careful when participating in seasonal activities that could start a wildfire or house fire. One spark can ruin a holiday.

This weekend significant wildfire potential will increase across West and Central Texas as temperatures remain near 100 degrees and wind speeds increase to 10 to 15 mph.

With hunting season upon us, many Texans are headed to hunting leases and other open areas across the state. This influx of people into natural environments means a greater potential for human-caused wildfires.

Due to exceptional drought conditions in the panhandle and south Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster on Friday, August 23. Abbott announced the state of disaster in Duval, Hall, Jim Hogg, Randall, Swisher, Webb and Zapata counties.

Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, parades, grilling a favorite dish or using fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with outdoor activities that may cause a spark.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigators made an arrest Thursday afternoon in a timber theft case in Harrison County. Agency investigators arrested Edward Tom Williams, 59, of Longview on a warrant for Theft of Property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. Williams was released on a $10,000 bond.

Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burns in Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers

Catalog of Firesafe equipment available for purchase

Esri, the global leader in spatial analytics, presented Texas A&M Forest Service with their Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award on July 11 at the annual Esri User Conference. Selected from over 300,000 eligible candidates, Texas A&M Forest Service

A product generated by the national Predictive Services office in Boise, ID of forecasted fire potential across the US

Critical and elevated wildfire conditions will be present over portions of Western Texas and the Panhandle beginning Wednesday and continuing through the weekend. The areas of concern include Amarillo, Lubbock and Childress.

Officials from key fire service organizations of Texas are asking for monetary donations and equipment to help local Texas fire departments impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Some Texas landowners may be eligible to be reimbursed for their cost of prescribed burning. Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications from private property owners who use strategically-planned prescribed fires to help reduce wildfire risk and restore natural ecosystems.

Portions of Northwestern Texas could see active wildfire weather this afternoon and tomorrow. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an alert putting parts of the Panhandle in the “extremely critical” and “critical” categories for wildfire potential. “Recent moistur

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

Presentation providing an overview of the 2011 fire season at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Post fire study

Post fire study

Provides a review of the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), and the component indices that are part of it

Extremely critical fire weather conditions are expected to be widespread in the Texas Panhandle tomorrow near Amarillo, Borger, Canadian, Childress, Lubbock, Pampa and Perryton.

The largest wildfire in Texas history is actively burning today. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is burning a total of 1,075,000 acres across Texas and Oklahoma and is 3% contained.

Hot summers and wildfires are not new to the South. Nor is interagency cooperation in responding to and suppressing wildfires. But this summer has been far from normal.

Texas communities at risk of wildfires can now apply for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. Available funding is intended to help at-risk communities plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

The most-asked question of college students is – “what are you going to do when you graduate?”

The Plantersville-Stoneham Volunteer Fire Department sits across from the town’s Baptist church on F.M. 1774 and is otherwise surrounded mostly by pastureland.

Central Texas landowners can apply April 1, 2023 for the SFAM Mechanical Fuels Reduction Grant to help reduce risks posed to their property by wildfire.

The tree landscape in Texas is made up by a variety of species. From ponderosa pines in West Texas to oaks in Central Texas to dogwoods in East Texas, trees play a vital role in our ecosystem and provide countless benefits.

The potential for wildfire activity increases this week as cold fronts are forecast to impact the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting resources are prepared to respond to wildfires as a cold front moves into the state this week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans to be careful with activities that may cause a wildfire this hunting season.

Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 this week due to increased wildfire activity, particularly in the eastern half of the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service fire analysts warn of wildfire activity, including the potential for significant wildfires, through Friday in the Western Pineywoods, Southeast and Central Texas.

As hot and dry conditions persist, extremely dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity across much of the state, even as surface moisture increases in some areas.

Hot and dry conditions across the state of Texas will create high wildfire potential through the weekend.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

The Texas fire environment will support increased wildfire activity through the weekend, as hot and dry conditions persist across the state.

This Memorial Day, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to protect our great state by being mindful of activities that may start a wildfire

There is potential for large wildfires to occur in the Western/Eastern Hill Country and Rolling Plains through Friday including areas near Childress, Vernon, Abilene, Brownwood, Lampasas, San Angelo, Ozona and Fredericksburg.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur Thursday through the weekend in areas near Canadian, Amarillo, Childress, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland and Alpine.

A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak is possible Tuesday in the Texas Panhandle.

A National Fire Prevention Education Team (NFPET) was brought in to assist Texas A&M Forest Service with wildfire prevention messaging.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through the weekend as more areas across the state will be characterized by dry to extremely dry surface fuels.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur today that may outpace firefighters’ suppression efforts in areas near Childress, Lubbock, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Midland, San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Del Rio, Laredo and Brownsville.

Wildfire potential increases today for large, difficult to control wildfires to occur in Southwest Texas, specifically for areas near Del Rio, San Angelo, San Antonio and Laredo.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase along and west of I-35 and into South Texas through the weekend.

Increased wildfire activity will be supported Friday through Sunday by warm and dry conditions and critically dry vegetation in the Western Plains, Hill Country and Cross Timbers.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase Friday through Monday along and west of I-35 and into South Texas as dormant vegetation dries and becomes receptive to fire ignitions.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through Wednesday as an active weather pattern aligns with dry vegetation across the landscape.

Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today in anticipation of an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.

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 positioned firefighting personnel and equipment in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains in preparation for forecasted elevated to critical fire weather in the areas, with anticipation of conditions becoming progressively worse today, tomorrow and into the weekend.

Wildfire potential is increase Tuesday through Thursday across portions of the state, including the Western Plains, Trans Pecos and Rio Grand Valley.

Recent rainfall observed across most of the state has significantly reduced wildfire activity and the potential for large fire growth.

The footprint of wildfire potential has decreased for a large portion of the state after a multi-day rain event. However, the potential for wildfire ignitions will remain high in southwest Texas where critically dry fuels remain.

The return of widespread triple digit temperatures Friday through Sunday will increase the rate of drying in vegetation, resulting in increased risk of wildland fire occurrence. Minimal rainfall from Hurricane Laura was observed west of Interstate 35 where critically dry fuels are present.

Dry air will persist over the state through the weekend, contributing to increased rates of drying in vegetation. Wildfire activity and fuel dryness is continuing to expand north and east into higher population centers.

Continued hot and dry conditions across much of the state have resulted in increased wildfire activity, particularly in north central Texas and in areas along the Interstate-35 corridor. Activity and fuel dryness is expanding north and east into higher population centers, including further east along the Interstate-45 corridor as well.

Wildfire activity has increased statewide with hot and dry conditions. This pattern of activity is expected to continue as the state moves into late summer.

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.

Significant wildfire activity has increased statewide, and accelerated drying has elevated the potential for new wildfire ignitions. New wildfires will become increasingly difficult to extinguish if current temperatures and drying conditions persist into August as forecasted.

Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan, Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing wildfires.

Wildfire potential will increase this weekend and into the middle of next week across West Texas, including areas around Abilene, Childress, Lubbock and Amarillo.

People and their activities cause more than 90 percent of wildfires in Texas. This holiday season, Texas A&M Forest Service urges everyone to be careful when participating in seasonal activities that could start a wildfire or house fire. One spark can ruin a holiday.

This weekend significant wildfire potential will increase across West and Central Texas as temperatures remain near 100 degrees and wind speeds increase to 10 to 15 mph.

With hunting season upon us, many Texans are headed to hunting leases and other open areas across the state. This influx of people into natural environments means a greater potential for human-caused wildfires.

Due to exceptional drought conditions in the panhandle and south Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster on Friday, August 23. Abbott announced the state of disaster in Duval, Hall, Jim Hogg, Randall, Swisher, Webb and Zapata counties.

Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, parades, grilling a favorite dish or using fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with outdoor activities that may cause a spark.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigators made an arrest Thursday afternoon in a timber theft case in Harrison County. Agency investigators arrested Edward Tom Williams, 59, of Longview on a warrant for Theft of Property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. Williams was released on a $10,000 bond.

Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burns in Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers

Esri, the global leader in spatial analytics, presented Texas A&M Forest Service with their Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award on July 11 at the annual Esri User Conference. Selected from over 300,000 eligible candidates, Texas A&M Forest Service

Critical and elevated wildfire conditions will be present over portions of Western Texas and the Panhandle beginning Wednesday and continuing through the weekend. The areas of concern include Amarillo, Lubbock and Childress.

Officials from key fire service organizations of Texas are asking for monetary donations and equipment to help local Texas fire departments impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Some Texas landowners may be eligible to be reimbursed for their cost of prescribed burning. Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications from private property owners who use strategically-planned prescribed fires to help reduce wildfire risk and restore natural ecosystems.

Portions of Northwestern Texas could see active wildfire weather this afternoon and tomorrow. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an alert putting parts of the Panhandle in the “extremely critical” and “critical” categories for wildfire potential. “Recent moistur

Changing the way the South recognizes and prepares for wildfire, a 17-year Texas A&M Forest Service employee was honored Tuesday with the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.

A map displaying the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index, which measures drought which runs from 0 – 800, with 0 being a wet soil, and 800 an extremely dry soil.

An assessment of the economic and environmental risk from wildfire in Texas.

https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fire-Triangle-Activity.pdf

A southern plains wildfire outbreak warning

a southern plain wildfire outbreak warning

A winter wildfire weather warning

A script for the winter fire weather warning

Facebook Posts Post 1: Texas A&M Forest Service and the National Weather Service have identified an extremely dangerous fire weather phenomena known as a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak, or SPWO, and are watching for it to occur in portions of Texas this spring. The environment conducive to an SPWO is characterized by dry vegetation, dry […]

Information on preventing oil rig fires

Information on prevention camp fires while hunting

Information on using caution when welding and grinding

Information on using caution with fireworks

The May 2023 revised plan of the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan.

Catalog of Firesafe equipment available for purchase

A product generated by the national Predictive Services office in Boise, ID of forecasted fire potential across the US

Presentation providing an overview of the 2011 fire season at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Post fire study

Post fire study

Provides a review of the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), and the component indices that are part of it

A product depicting expected future fire danger based on National Weather Service weather forecasts.

The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, TxWRAP, shows risk in your area and offers resources for wildfire risk.