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Texas A&M Forest Service fire resources mobilized ahead of wildfire activity this weekend

From Staff Reports
·3 min read

Critical fire danger with warm and dry conditions returns to portions of the state this weekend, Friday through Sunday, according to a news release from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

With extremely dry grasses, stronger winds and near-record highs in the mid-80s predicted Thursday, the National Weather Service Amarillo office also warned of the wildfire risk, as well as some parts of the Texas Panhandle seeing daytime relative humidity values falling to the single digits. Most of the Panhandle is currently in severe or extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Texas, as of March 1.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Texas, as of March 1.

A strong upper level storm approaching the state over the weekend will produce elevated to critical fire weather including above normal temperatures and increased wind speeds, which will increase the potential for large wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service says.

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Texas A&M Forest Service task forces and suppression equipment are being staged in Childress, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Burkburnett, Fredericksburg, Smithville, McGregor, Mineral Wells, San Angelo, Fort Stockton, Victoria, Beeville, Alice and Edinburg.

In addition, the Randall County Fire Department announced Thursday it is sending apparatus and personnel to the Mineral Wells area to assist Texas with widespread wildfire threats. One wildland engine and two personnel left in the morning to be part of a Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike team.

“Any wildfire that ignites in dormant, cured grasses may spread rapidly due to the expected high wind speeds,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head in the release. “These wildfires may be more resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts.”

Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized personnel and equipment to areas of concern in advance of the weekend’s potential wildfire activity.
Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized personnel and equipment to areas of concern in advance of the weekend’s potential wildfire activity.

While monitoring the situation closely, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized personnel and equipment to areas of concern in advance of the potential wildfire activity this weekend. These include fireline supervisors, command staff and incident commanders with advanced qualifications.

Aviation resources are also prepositioned across the state, including two large airtankers, nine single engine air tankers, three air attack platforms, two type 1 helicopters and two type 3 helicopters. Texas A&M Forest Service does not own any aviation resources, but instead, it uses federal aviation contracts through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for all firefighting aircraft.

Texas A&M Forest Service is also requesting the mobilization of several strike teams via TIFMAS for wildfire incident support.

“The alignment of dormant vegetation and warm, dry conditions with increased winds have produced some of the largest and most destructive wildfires in Texas’ history,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Wildfires that ignite under these conditions may be difficult for firefighters to control and pose a threat to public safety. We encourage our cooperators and all Texans to be prepared and listen to warnings from local officials.”

Texans that live in particular areas of concern, including the Western Plains, Cross Timbers and Hill Country, are encouraged to make evacuation preparations in case a wildfire breaks out:

- Prepare multiple evacuation routes in case one is compromised by heavy smoke.

- Assemble a go-kit that can be grabbed easily and includes the following items:

  • Supplies for both people and pets.

  • Prescription medications or other necessary medical equipment.

  • Papers and important documents such as insurance and identification documents.

  • Personal needs including food, water, clothing, money and a first aid kit.

  • Priceless items such as photos, family heirlooms and any other irreplaceable or valuable items.

- Listen to local officials and, if necessary, evacuate early to get yourself out of harm’s way.

- 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, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.

For Amarillo, a cold front will move through Saturday night into Sunday, moderating temperatures once again, NWS Amarillo said.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas fire resources mobilized ahead of wildfire activity this weekend