The biggest news across our area, and all of Texas, continues to be the drought and the concurrent danger of fires. As seen last week by fires right here in Northeast Texas, the danger is real, and getting worse every day. Weather forecasters with NOAA and the National Weather Service have predicted long range outlooks of an even drier August, so the threat of wildfires only grows. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, firefighters responded to 17 new wildfires in just one day last week that burned approximately 750 acres. Suppression efforts continued on several carryover wildfires as well. Currently, 225 of the 254 counties in the State of Texas are under burn bans, with no end in sight. Persistent temperatures above 100 degrees will continue to draw moisture from live vegetation. Mid-July live fuel samples in the Cross Timbers, Rolling Plains and Hill Country are at critical levels, making tree torching, or the transition of fire from the ground to the canopy of trees, likely with elevated fire weather conditions.
“We need Texans to prevent wildfires from occurring under these conditions,” said Emily Wall, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Operating Officer of Forest Resource Protection. “It is imperative that everyone remains diligent with any activity that may cause a spark and check with local officials for burn bans or other restrictions.”
As the potential for wildfires continues, there are things we can do to reduce the risk for loss. Simple things like not burning, keeping grass cut, and being extra careful with anything that might cause a spark and ignite a fire are key. Other things like making sure your home is easily accessible to firefighters and that your street and house numbers are easily visible also assists emergency responders and saves them time.
