Texas A&M Forest Service Encourages Texans To Prevent Wildfires

COLLEGE STATION, Texas— During the upcoming Labor Day weekend and the start of dove hunting season, Texans are urged to help protect our lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities that may cause wildfires.

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. Rain and increased moisture forecasted will reduce the risk of wildfire activity. However, Texans should continue to be cautious with all outdoor activities that may cause a spark.

Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Interim Fire Chief, said, “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 ten 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 burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/ .
• If you are taking a trailer on your adventures, ensure the tires are correctly inflated, chains do not contact the road, and loose metal does not continually hit anything else, all of which can cause sparks.
• Always be ready to put out a fire if it starts. Keep a shovel and water in camp and 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 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. Avoid placing your grill underneath a tree or on a wooden patio deck.
• After grilling, allow the coals in your grill to cool completely. Smoldering coals may reignite and release embers, which could blow into nearby vegetation.

Additional fire prevention resources are found here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/preventionresources/