Summer is bringing the heat to Texas in more ways than one this season as Tarrant County officials issue a week-long disaster declaration citing an increased threat of wildfires in unincorporated parts of the county.
Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare announced he had issued the declaration on Thursday. It remains in effect through Wednesday due to the “imminent threat of severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to drought.”
In addition, the county banned outdoor burning until further notice. Those who violate the order are subject to a fine of up to $500. Controlled burns must first secure approval from the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth issued an excessive heat warning for North Texas on Thursday as ambient temperatures and heat indices pushed into the 110s in some areas of the region.
In addition to the potential increase in heat-related illnesses, NWS reported that the combination of high heat and the lack of rain would increase the likelihood of wildfires. Weather officials advised citizens to take preventative measures, including properly disposing of cigarette butts, refraining from dragging tow chains on the ground, avoiding parking on and driving over tall grass, and closely monitoring campfires.
Meteorologist Patricia Sanchez told The Dallas Express that the threat of wildfires is typical this time of year due to high temperatures and lack of precipitation.
Tarrant County officials did not seem to disagree, with Fire Marshal Randy Renois writing, “Tarrant County has been experiencing several days of extreme high temperature, low humidity and gusty winds creating the need to take extraordinary measures to protect the lives and properties of the residents of the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County.”
Local weather officials expect a weak cold front to move in over the weekend to deliver “more seasonable temperatures” to the region. Still, the relief will not last long. NWS expects triple-digit temperatures to return early next week.