Officials report less wildfires this season due to excessive rainfall

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – In 2023, first responders across the state battled more than 160 wildfires according to the Texas A&M Forest Service and so far this year only 20 have been reported in this summer’s wildfire season.

“You know being in Texas anytime it rains, it’s good,” Sean Dugan, Texas A&M Forest Service, Public Information Officer, said.

This summer’s storms brought destruction to East Texas and a lot of rain making for a less active summer wildfire season. “The rain has made a significant impact on all of that which had been helpful to us the temperature has been cooler so our heat-related emergencies have been down as well,” Kevin May the Longview Fire Marshal & Public Information Officer said.

Texas A&M Forest Services shared that so far this summer, East Texas has only had a few fires. Dugan said that while storms have been devastating, one positive is the saturated grounds throughout most of our region.

“In 2023, we had 163 fires across the state our normal fires are about 100, and then this year we’ve had 20,” Dugan said.

Longview City Fire Marshal explained when conditions do turn dry, grass fires can spark easily.

“Whether we’re having a rainy season or not. You know most of these fires that we deal with these grassfires, these wild-land fires, they’re caused by humans and the actions that they take,” May said.

Fire officials are asking you to be mindful through this summer wildfire season, which typically runs through August but can go longer depending on conditions.

“Especially in East Texas during the summer with anything that can cause a spark,” Dugan said.

Whenever you’re burning trash or brush, make sure to keep a close eye on it and be prepared in case of an emergency.

“Throwing the cigarettes out, not being careful grilling, a lot of our fires along the interstates happen from people dragging a chain and it throws sparks,” said May.

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