Texas A&M Forest Service Warns Of Increased Wildfire

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

Above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall are forecast for the third week due to a period of high pressure impacting the state. Accelerated drying in vegetation, resulting from widespread triple-digit temperatures and dry air, begins Thursday and will continue through the weekend.

Elevated fire weather, including triple-digit temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind speeds near 15 mph, will support an increased potential for significant wildfires that may directly impact communities where dry to critically dry vegetation is present.

“The dryness we are currently seeing across portions of the state is, generally, what we would be experiencing in mid to late July,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. The drought from the spring into the summer has initiated an early start to the summer fire season. In addition, early summer drying in June also introduces the possibility of experiencing a severe late-summer fire season.

This year, wildfire activity has trended above average for acres burned and the number of fire responses. State and local fire resources have responded to an average of 4,047 wildfires for 188,259 acres over the past five years. In 2022, firefighters have already responded to 5,047 wildfires that have burned 527,241 acres across the state.

Due to current conditions, many recent wildfire starts have required more time and resources to contain fully.

“State and local first responders have been incredibly busy this year without much reprieve. Unfortunately, forecast conditions indicate that we may be facing a very busy summer season as well,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “We urge Texans to be cautious and prevent wildfire ignitions this summer.”

Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the current situation closely and has positioned personnel and equipment across the state for a quick and effective response to any requests for assistance.

We have staged fully staffed task forces and additional suppression equipment across the state in anticipation of increased activity. Additionally, 187 personnel from other states are currently in Texas to support wildfire response efforts.

We have staged nineteen aviation resources in the state, including one large air tanker and nine single-engine air tankers.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

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 uses federal aviation contracts through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for all firefighting aircraft.