Record Highs and Drought Conditions Cause Wildfires
Extreme temperatures reaching past 100 degrees, coupled with dry weather, have set the stage for wildfires in College Station, Texas. The local Fire Department has expressed concern over the current weather conditions, warning people to be cautious due to the heightened risk of grass fires and more widespread wildfires.
Over 60 wildfires in the past week
The scorching temperatures and arid conditions have spurred more than 60 wildfires across Texas, decimating upwards of 10,000 acres of land in just one week. On Monday, several fires broke out along Highway 6 in College Station.
Containment, Not Competition: How Firefighters Tackle Grass Fires
According to Captain Stuart Marrs of the College Station Fire Department (CSFD), the strategy when dealing with grass fires is to contain them, rather than attempting to extinguish them outright.
“We are seeing grass fires around the state. There are currently four active fires in the north Texas area, and we have College Station firefighters out helping to control and contain those fires,” Captain Marrs commented.
Human Activities Responsible for Majority of Fires
Alarmingly, almost 90 percent of the wildfires responded to by the Texas A&M Forest Service are caused by human activities. Simple tasks such as welding a fence or doing yard work on a Saturday can create sparks that ignite a fire.
Captain Marrs pointed out that even the smallest of actions, like discarding a cigarette butt, could result in a large-scale fire.
The Need for Caution
Given the current dry weather conditions, the risk of fire is considerably high. Firefighting departments are urging people to be aware and cautious while using anything that can ignite a fire. This includes regular equipment like mowers, weed-eaters, and chainsaws that can kick start wildfires when used in dry grass.
Tips for Homeowners to Prevent Fires
The Forest Service suggests homeowners can reduce the risk of grass fires by performing simple tasks such as cleaning out their gutters and breaking up vegetation around their homes. This can include installing walkways or laying down dirt to create a separation between grass and home structures.
With weather forecasts predicting ongoing heat and drought, the importance of these precautions cannot be overstated. The College Station community is urged to remain vigilant and proactive in minimizing the possibility of wildfires.