Increased Wildfire Danger

The Forest Service anticipates increased wildfire danger as warm, dry, and windy conditions are forecast.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today to anticipate an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.

The fire environment will include elevated to critical fire weather, with above-average temperatures and wind speeds near 20 mph, aligned with freeze-cured grasses across the landscape. This combination will support increased wildfire activity.

Forecast fire danger will be ‘High’ to ‘Very High’ for portions of the Rolling Plains and Cross Timbers regions, specifically for areas around Plainview, Wichita Falls, Weatherford, Lampasas, and San Angelo.

State and local firefighters, including Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), responded to 97 wildfires for an estimated 7,460 acres burned since Friday morning.

Strong north winds and dry vegetation contributed to increased activity over the weekend, including the 1,696-acre Mill Creek Fire in Shackelford County, the 787-acre Martin Fire in Young County, and the 177-acre Carbon Camp Fire in Hutchinson County.

In anticipation of increased fire danger on Tuesday, Texas A&M Forest Service has prepositioned additional agency personnel and equipment, including 11 dozers and four engines, across areas of concern.

“Any time the forecast indicates that there is potential for wildfire activity, we mobilize resources to strategic locations to assist local fire departments and cooperators,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management worked together to mobilize two strike teams via TIFMAS to provide wildfire incident support before this weekend’s increased activity.

“We greatly appreciate our state, federal and local partners that continue to work together to protect Texas’ citizens diligently and natural resources from wildfire,” said Moorehead.

Two large air tankers, three single-engine air tankers, two air attack platforms, and one aerial supervision module remain in the state to assist with wildfire response efforts.

Texas A&M Forest Service encourages the public to avoid outdoor activities that may cause a spark while dry and windy conditions are present.

For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.

Texas A&M Forest Service does not own any aviation resources but instead uses federal aviation contracts through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for all firefighting aircraft.