Texas A&M Forest Service encourages wildfire preparedness ahead of summer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — With nearly 1,200 wildfires reported in the Lone Star State so far this year, the prevention of destructive blazes is a burning issue for the Texas A& M Forest Service.

Wildfire activity has been below average due to the limited amount of grass across the landscape and frequent rainfall statewide, the Forest Service said in a news release.

Since Jan. 1, state and local firefighters have responded to 1,166 wildfires that have burned 39,167 acres statewide. By this time in 2022, firefighters had responded to 6,343 wildfires that burned more than 518,000 acres.

Despite the difference in activity levels, the threat of wildfire is continual for the state, the release states. Four to five weeks of dry conditions will result in a substantial increase in wildfire activity, as vegetation dries and becomes receptive to burning.

“The actions that homeowners take before a wildfire ignites are crucial to reducing structural ignitability and providing a safe environment for firefighters to work,” said Wes Moorehead, Forest Service fire chief. “The agency has responded to countless wildfires where mitigation measures were implemented well in advance of a wildfire event, which saved homes and lives.”

To reduce the risk of fire, the Forest Service recommends keeping the area within 5 feet around structures free of combustible material, such as mulch, plants, firewood stacks and patio furniture. For a 5- to 30-foot area around a structure, the Forest Service recommends keeping grass mowed and removing vegetative debris.

“Though rains have helped decrease wildfire potential, we encourage everyone to be careful with outdoor activities this holiday,” said Karen Stafford, coordinator of the Forest Service’s Prevention Program.

In Texas, nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused and preventable, the news released states. The most common reported causes of wildfires during the summer months are debris burning and equipment use, which includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains.

Visit www.tfsweb.tamu.edu/protectyourhome for information and tips on fire prevention.