Feb. 28, 2018 — AMARILLO, Texas — Critical and
elevated wildfire conditions will be present over portions of Western Texas and
the Panhandle beginning Wednesday and continuing through the weekend.
The areas of concern include Amarillo, Lubbock
and Childress.
“The area
has increased grass loading and the very dry air that has been present for the
past few days combined with the drought, it does not take long for these fuels
to dry out after any moisture,” said Fire Analyst Brad Smith. “On Wednesday, we
have a chance for an increased significant wildfire potential, along with
increased initial attack on wildfires.”
Increased fire activity is a concern due to expected sustained
wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph combining with slightly above normal seasonal
temperatures, low relative humidity and a dry line — a boundary that separates
moist air mass from dry air — forming over the region.
Follow your local meteorologist or the National
Weather Service for weather updates.
Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the
situation closely and is working with local response departments as we
preposition state resources, including continued staffing of a Single Engine
Air Tanker base in Amarillo and heavy jet air tanker is staged in Oklahoma.
- With
high fire danger, caution should be used with any outdoor activity that may
cause a spark. It only takes one spark to start a wildfire.
- Postpone
outdoor burning until conditions improve.
- 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.
- Wildfires
burning in grass can spread and grow extremely fast. It is important that if
you spot a wildfire you report it immediately to local authorities. A quick
response can help save lives and property.
Visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/currentsituation,or follow
@allhazardstfs on Twitter for Texas wildfire information.
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Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
William Hood, Wildland Urban Interface Specialist,
979-249-6716, william.hood@tfs.tamu.edu
Phillip Truitt, State Public Information Officer, 979-255-0591, ptruitt@tfs.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office, 979-458-6606; newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu