The National Weather Service predicts a high risk of wildfires for the first time this season in much of West, South, and Central Texas.
Due to the high winds across the state this week and temperatures above 80 degrees, combustible materials can ignite very quickly.
While Bastrop County and areas south of San Antonio are at the greatest risk, the danger of fire applies to the entire state of Texas, with burn bans in effect for several counties.
Extremely dry conditions are expected to continue for much of the state, with 90% of areas reporting very high to exceptional drought levels.
The drought level is exceptional in the area from Junction to southeast San Angelo, including Brady and Brownwood, where fires have sparked in recent days.
The following fire departments service high-risk areas in Texas: Paris Fire Department, City of Laneville, City of Simonton, Karnack Volunteer Fire Department, and San Marcos Area Recovery Team (SMART).
The City of Paris Fire Department is asking its citizens not to start any fires and those who have outdoor cookers or grills to remain aware of their surroundings.
Because any spark or ember can lead to an out-of-control blaze, citizens should exercise extreme caution, obey all fire and burn bans, dispose of cigarettes properly, avoid parking their car on dry grass, forgo all outdoor burning, and keep a small fire extinguisher to protect their home and property.
The Texas Department of Public Safety additionally reminds Texas residents that any person in the state must obtain a fire license before selling or distributing fireworks, whether through displays, retail sales, internet sales, or for use in a business.
Fires in Texas have become a major problem, significantly increasing since the year 2020. The number of fires is especially high in the summertime when fires are more difficult to contain, as critical fire weather conditions — such as extremely dry air, strong winds, and warm temperatures — create favorable conditions for a fire to spread.
Additionally, the consequences of a fire at this time could be more severe; Texas is currently experiencing a shortage of firefighters from Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) resources due to aggressive, uncontrollable forest fires in Texas and New Mexico.
