AUSTIN–Henderson, Kaufman and Van Zandt counties are among 143 counties included in a disaster declaration issued Oct. 14 by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott because of an increasing wildfire threat across the state.
The National Weather Service predicts near-record heat through October as well as a warm and dry winter. Upcoming windy conditions will increase the potential for wildfire activity across the state, the Texas Division of Emergency Management said in an Oct. 14 press release about the governor’s declaration.
As of Oct. 22, Henderson County is under a burn ban, while Kaufman County lifted its burn ban Sept. 26. Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court will consider implementing a countywide burn ban at its Oct. 23 meeting.
“As the state continues to experience a hot and dry October, Texas is deploying firefighting resources to support local communities at an elevated risk for wildfires,” Gov. Abbott said via TDEM. “Texans should take precautions, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and limit activities that can cause a spark.”
Gov. Abbott also directed TDEM to activate additional state emergency response resources to support local firefighters responding to multiple wildfires burning across Texas, according to that state agency, which coordinates Texas’ emergency management program. During the week before the governor’s disaster declaration, more than 80 wildfires burned more than 2,200 acres statewide, TDEM stated Oct. 14.
Texas A&M Forest Service, which says it’s the lead agency for wildfire response for the state, reported as of Oct. 21 that it responded to four new requests for assistance on wildfires burning 191 acres across the state. The Forest Service says there are 165 counties with burn bans in place as of Oct. 21.
The Forest Service also says as of Oct. 21 that its Wildland Fire Preparedness Level is at Level 3. According to the Forest Service, the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level scales from 1 to 5, with 5 the highest level of wildland fire activity, which indicates heavy resource commitment to fires locally and across the state. Under Level 5, conditions support large, complex wildfire incidents across Texas, the Forest Service says.
Under Level 3, the Forest Service says wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation or frequent fire weather events. Texas A&M Forest Service states it strategically positions personnel, equipment and aircraft in areas at risk. Additional resources, including those from other regions, agencies or states, may be necessary, according to the Forest Service.
TDEM urges local residents to take precautions to prevent wildfires by limiting activities that may create sparks, following the instructions of local authorities, and preparing emergency plans. For tips on wildfire safety, TDEM says Texans can visit TexasReady.gov or tfsweb.tamu.edu.