State wildfire officials are urging Texans to use caution during holiday travel and celebrations for Christmas and the New Year as unseasonably warm, dry weather combines with dormant grasses to elevate wildfire danger across much of the state.
Texas A&M Forest Service said Monday, Dec. 22 that above-normal temperatures, low humidity and freeze-cured grasses could support a higher number of wildfires. Officials warned that if strong winds develop, fires may spread quickly and become difficult to contain — conditions particularly concerning in the Texas Panhandle, South Plains and beyond, where abundant dormant grasses near Amarillo, Lubbock, Childress and Abilene heighten the threat.
“We have seen above-normal grass production across large areas of Texas, especially near Abilene, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, Childress and Amarillo,” Luke Kanclerz, head of the Forest Service’s Predictive Services Department, said in a statement. “These grasses are now dormant and freeze-cured, which means they dry quickly and can support wildfire activity when wind speeds increase.”
About 90% of wildfires in Texas are human-caused, according to the agency. During the winter holidays, debris burning and equipment use account for nearly 70% of those fires.
“With warm, dry weather and dormant grasses creating ideal conditions for wildfires, we need every Texan to do their part to help prevent sparks from turning into a dangerous wildfire,” Fire Chief Jared Karns said. “Follow local burn bans, maintain equipment properly and take extra precautions during holiday activities to keep Texas safe.”
The Forest Service urged residents to follow safety precautions when burning household debris such as wrapping paper, gift boxes or discarded Christmas trees. Officials recommend keeping burn piles small, placing them at least 150 feet from structures, monitoring weather conditions and never leaving a fire unattended. Recycling is encouraged as an alternative to burning, and only plain wrapping paper — without metallic finishes, glitter or textured coatings — can be recycled.
“Use the ‘scrunch’ test to tell if paper is recyclable or not,” Program Coordinator Laura Stevens said. “If you scrunch a piece of paper into a ball and it stays that way, it can be recycled.”
Several Panhandle counties currently have outdoor burn bans in effect to reduce wildfire risk. They include:
Officials urged residents to confirm local restrictions before burning, as conditions may prompt additional counties to enact bans.
The Forest Service also reminded holiday travelers to inspect vehicles and trailers before driving, secure loose or dragging chains, check tire condition and avoid parking in tall, dry grass — all common ignition sources along roadways.
Anyone who spots a wildfire is urged to immediately contact local authorities. Officials said fast reporting and response can help prevent loss of life and property. Residents can check the latest burn bans, fire danger and prevention guidance through the Texas A&M Forest Service website, https://tfsweb.tamu.edu
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Wildfire risk grows as warm, dry pattern persists
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
