Killeen Firefighters Go to West Texas to Fight Wildfires

WEST TEXAS (FOX 44) – Five firefighters from the Killeen Fire Department were dispatched to assist with multiple wildfires across Texas.

The team participated in a 14-day joint operation to combat the blazes and support disaster response efforts. The first responders returned home on Friday.

The deployment included Battalion Chief Cory Davis, Captain Marcus Stillwell, Captain Matt Phillips, Fire Rescue Officer Charlie Layton and Fire Rescue Officer Chris Hartwell. They are part of a coordinated response managed by the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), which mobilizes resources through the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

“That’s a state-run organization that determines what resources are needed, approved, and then sent. We are a participating agency in that. So the way this goes is TIFMAS is requested through the state through the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and they will approve a team of X number of resources, whatever that may be. In this case, they needed a wildland firefighting truck, a booster truck, which is what we call it, and that needs three people. They also needed a strike team leader, which we were able to provide,” Chief James Kubinski explained.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that crews across the state responded to over half a dozen wildfires, burning more than 5,000 acres in areas such as Mason County, Bastrop, Jones, Callahan, Throckmorton, San Saba, Shackleford and Randall. The largest fire, caused by lightning strikes, began as several small fires that eventually merged.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has emphasized the need for caution as the Labor Day weekend approaches and dove hunting season begins. The agency highlights the increased wildfire risks due to hot and dry conditions in August, with even recent rainfall not fully mitigating the danger.

Chief Kubinski from the Killeen Fire Department noted, “Being out in the environment with wildland fires involves many variables that can change the situation, such as fuel load, dryness, and wind direction.”

To prevent wildfires, residents are advised to be mindful of their surroundings. Simple actions like avoiding parking on dry grass, properly extinguishing flames and checking local weather and drought conditions can help reduce the risk.

“Even mowing grass can spark a fire if a rock is struck by the spinning blade,” Kubinski warned.

Captain Marcus Stillwell, reflecting on his experience, stated, “It’s a hardship, but it’s something we’re used to and prepared for. It can be physically challenging, but we’re always ready and excited to help the state of Texas.”

The Texas A&M Forest Service continues to monitor the situation, urging the public to follow local burn bans and remain vigilant to help prevent further wildfires as the summer progresses.