• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • TSCRA Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Young Cattle Raisers
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
    • Students and Youth
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Summer Meeting
    • Policy Conference
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Early summer drying could indicate a severe wildfire season in Texas

Source: Texas A&M Forest Service | June 17, 2020

Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Most of the state is trending three to four weeks ahead of typical early summer drying, and the rainfall outlook over the next six weeks is not anticipated to be enough to reverse this trend.

Wildfire analysts with Texas A&M Forest Service report that Texas could experience a severe summer wildfire season.

“The dryness we are currently seeing across portions of the state is, generally, what we would be experiencing in mid- to late July,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services department head.

“The drought that will carry over from the spring into the summer and the emerging drought that is developing in June have initiated an early start to the summer fire season. Early summer drying in June also introduces the possibility of experiencing a severe late-summer fire season.”

Under these conditions, state officials are tracking an increased number of wildfire ignitions occurring across Texas. Since Tuesday, June 9, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments have responded to 90 wildfires that burned a total of 21,692 acres. Many of the recent wildfires are attributed to equipment use, welding, debris burning and roadside starts.

“Texas is experiencing an uptick in wildfire activity across most of the state, and it’s easy to think that a wildfire won’t impact you until you see the smoke on the horizon,” said Kari Hines, Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise coordinator. “Now is the time to prepare your house and property to make them wildfire resilient. Create an evacuation plan for your family that includes pets and livestock. Look for the buildup of dead and dry vegetative material around your house, the driveway, and other important buildings, as this is where embers can gather and start fires.”

Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires everyone to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their families and their properties.

Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to take the following steps around their homes today to reduce the risk of wildfire:

1. Clean out gutters of debris.
2. Mow and water lawns.
3. Move firewood a minimum of 30 feet from homes.
4. Remove anything stored under decks or porches.
5. Make sure home addresses are visible from the road.

If a wildfire is spotted, contact local authorities immediately. A quick response can help save lives and property.

Visit the following websites for more info on fire prevention and preparation:

Texas A&M Extension Disaster Education Network Wildfire Info Page

  • Wildfire Ready Checklist
  • Protecting Farms & Ranches from Wildfires

Texas A&M Forest Service Agency – Preparing for Wildfires

  • Fire danger – Current Situation
  • Forecast Fire Danger Map
  • Outdoor Burn Bans

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
June 18, 2020

Categories: Animal Health, Disasters, Feed & Forage, Livestock Management, Natural Resources, Ranching, The Cattleman Now, The Cattleman Now - App, Weather

Recent Posts

Uvalde County man arrested for felony theft of more than 650 goats

June 7, 2023

Special rangers arrest Angel Bazaldua for failing to pay for two loads of goats. Angel Bazaldua …

Continue Reading about Uvalde County man arrested for felony theft of more than 650 goats

Cow-calf Corner: The importance of hay moisture

June 7, 2023

Paul Vining, OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences Graduate Research Assistant Cutting and …

Continue Reading about Cow-calf Corner: The importance of hay moisture

Texas crop progress and condition for June 5

June 6, 2023

Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall amounts delayed crop progress while also improving …

Continue Reading about Texas crop progress and condition for June 5

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
TSCRA Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Young Cattle Raisers
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Media Kit
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE