During the upcoming Labor Day weekend and start of dove hunting season, Texans are urged to help protect our lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire.
Hot and dry conditions in August resulted in increased wildfire activity across North and Northwest Texas. Throughout August, Texas experienced 281 wildfires that burned 24,333 acres. With rain and increased moisture in the forecast, the risk of wildfire activity will be reduced. However, Texans should continue to be cautious with all outdoor activities that may cause a spark.
“Forecast rain will help to decrease wildfire potential across most of the state,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Interim Fire Chief. “We encourage everyone to be careful with outdoor activities this holiday and throughout the fall.”
Wildfires caused by vehicles, trailers, ATV/UTVs and other equipment frequently used while hunting and camping are common during hunting season, which occurs each year from September to January.
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused, and everyone can make a difference by taking personal responsibility for their actions. Remain vigilant as drought conditions continue to expand and intensify and be cautious with any activity that may cause a spark.
To avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while dove hunting:
- Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass - the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
- If you are taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that the tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road and any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all of which can cause sparks.
- Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/.
To help prevent wildfires while grilling outdoors, please follow these safety tips:
- Never leave your grill unattended. Wind gusts may blow embers into dry vegetation, potentially starting a wildfire.
- Ensure your grill is kept clean of excess grease to prevent flare-ups.
- Place your grill in an open space away from tall or dry grass, shrubs, woodpiles or other flammable materials. Also, avoid placing your grill underneath a tree or on a wooden patio deck.
- After you are finished grilling, allow time for the coals in your grill to completely cool. Smoldering coals may reignite and release embers, which may be blown into nearby vegetation.
Additional fire prevention resources can be found here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/preventionresources/