Wildfire activity expected this weekend as critical fire weather conditions continue

Elevated fire dangers to continue into weekend

As Zack Shields explains, extremely dry conditions and strong winds are the perfect combination for wildfires to grow and spread rapidly.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Wildfire activity is expected to increase through the weekend in Texas as more areas will be dry-extremely dry surface levels.

There is high potential for large, significant wildfires to occur on Saturday in the Western/Eastern Hill Country, Southern Plains, High Plains and South Texas regions. Extremely dry vegetation across these regions will support increased potential for large wildfires when exposed to critical fire weather.

"The potential for large, significant wildfires across West Texas and South Texas will remain through early May," said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. "It is essential that Texans prepare for continued wildfire activity and to help prevent new ignitions."

Large grass fire reported in Wimberley near Jacob's Well Elementary

North Hays County Fire Rescue says the fire is at the intersection of FM 2325 and Valley Spring Road.

Additionally, timber litter fuels in East and Central Texas will likely become more receptive to burning through Saturday and support increased wildfire activity.

The fire environment on Sunday and Monday will support a moderate to high potential for large wildfires in the High Plains, Southern Plains, Western Hill Country and Rolling Plains where extremely dry vegetation and critical fire weather will be present.

Texas A&M Forest Service continues to monitor the situation closely and has positioned personnel and equipment across the areas of concern for a quick and effective response to any new wildfire ignitions.

On April 7, Texas A&M Forest Service and TIFMAS firefighters responded to 38 requests for assistance on wildfires that burned 9,258 acres across the state. This total includes 30 new ignitions for East Texas. During peak activity yesterday, East Texas fire resources received, on average, one call every 14 minutes for assistance on a new wildfire.

Austin city leaders taking key steps when it comes to wildfire mitigation

Austin is the first Texas city to adopt a Wildland Urban Interface Code — which holds new buildings in at-risk areas to higher fire standards.

"During these critical fire weather conditions, it is extremely important to remain mindful of all outdoor activities," said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. "Any activity that can create a spark, can start a wildfire."

Postpone outdoor burning until conditions improve and always check for burn restrictions.
Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
Avoid setting hot chainsaws or other hot, gas-powered equipment in dry grass.
When pulling a trailer, attach safety chains securely; loose chains can drag on the pavement and cause sparks, igniting roadside fires.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For current conditions and wildfire outlook, read the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.

Texas A&M Forest Service does not own any aviation resources but instead uses federal aviation contracts through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for all firefighting aircraft.

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MORE HEADLINES:
Large grass fire reported in Wimberley near Jacob's Well Elementary
Firefighters battling Johnson County pallet fire take shelter after spotting funnel cloud
Austin city leaders taking key steps when it comes to wildfire mitigation
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