Texas A&M Forest Service is working to increase awareness on safe debris burning practices and roadside starts.

Escaped debris burns are one of the most common causes of wildfire in Texas. Recent weather events have caused an increase in downed vegetative debris. Residents, especially those living in rural areas, may choose to manage this excess debris by conducting a debris burn. In order to mitigate the risk of these debris burns from escaping, we are increasing awareness on safe debris burning practices.

Even though it may have recently rained, it may dry up quickly. We would like to encourage residents to engage in safe debris burning practices:

· Check with local officials for any outdoor burning regulations or burn bans in place.

· Be aware of current and expected weather conditions and avoid burning on hot, dry, and windy days.

· Keep the debris pile small and manageable with at least 10 feet of space around the pile cleared of any vegetation or flammable material. Wet the area around the burn pile.

· Stay with the fire at all times with a water source on hand. The fire should completely cooled before leaving it unattended.

Roadside starts are one of the most common causes of wildfire in Texas. Vehicle maintenance and general awareness is critical to reducing the number of roadside starts along major travel routes. In order to mitigate the risk of these roadside starts, we are increasing awareness on vehicle maintenance practices.

· Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along our roadways. The public must practice vehicle safety to help prevent wildfires.

· Keep vehicles well maintained, including the vehicle’s exhaust system where failing catalytic converters may emit extremely hot metal fragments and ignite a roadside wildfire.

· Underinflated tires and/or tire failure pose a wildfire hazard. Wheel rims may produce sparks if contact is made with the pavement. This is especially common on trailers. Keep a pressure gauge in your vehicle and ensure all tires are properly inflated.

Inspect tires regularly, especially during long trips, for signs of damage.

· Avoid driving and/or parking in tall, dry grass. The catalytic converter is located underneath your vehicle and may start wildfires if exposed to dry vegetation. Catalytic converters operate between 550-1600° F and can reach 2000° F if the engine is not running properly.

· Always ensure trailer safety chains are secured so they do not come in any contact with the roadway. Dragging chains may create sparks causing a wildfire.

· Drivers are encouraged to maintain trailer brakes and wheel bearings. This helps to avoid catastrophic failures resulting in brake fires and/ or the emission of sparks and hot metal fragments that may cause wildfire ignitions along roadways.

· Trailer-mounted grills and grills transported in the bed of a truck should have all coals completely extinguished before traveling down the road. Never travel with a lit or smoldering grill, even for short distances. Properly dispose or extinguish coals.