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

Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution with outdoor activities this weekend

Source: Texas A&M Forest Service | June 30, 2020

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any activity that may cause a spark.

Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires.

“We encourage everyone to be cautious with fireworks and outdoor activities this holiday,” said Bruce Woods, Texas A&M Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention department head. “Dry conditions can quickly turn an unattended spark into a wildfire.”

Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire officials are advising the public to be aware of the drying conditions returning this week that may contribute to rapidly growing wildfires. Hot and dry weather conditions reduce the moisture content in grass and woody vegetation, which increases the potential for wildfire ignitions. Any ongoing green up from recent rainfalls will likely fade.

“Help our heroes this Fourth of July holiday, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Department Program Coordinator. “Continue to help our firefighters limit exposure by preventing wildfires and being safe with your outdoor activities. Remember to do your part, and don’t let a wildfire start.”

To help prevent wildfires, follow these tips:
• Follow local burn regulations and be cautious with outdoor activities that may cause a spark. Check local restrictions regarding fireworks and use caution if you intend to use them this weekend.
• Avoid using fireworks around dry vegetation and always keep a water source nearby.
• Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
• Be sure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle- they throw sparks.
• Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
• If using firearms, avoid shooting at rocks or metal objects as these can cause sparks, and avoid shooting into dry grass or vegetation. Know your ammunition; tracer and full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition have a high potential to cause sparks.

Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Education & Prevention Facebook page, @wildfireeducation.prevention, or tfsweb.tamu.edu for more information and tips on how to prevent wildfires.

Note: Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not take a position on the use of fireworks, nor does the agency determine, set or lift restrictions.

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
July 2, 2020

Categories: The Cattleman Now, The Cattleman Now - App, Weather

Recent Posts

TSCRA supports STOP Screwworms Act to protect U.S. cattle herd

May 14, 2025

In response to the introduction of the STOP Screwworms Act by Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Tony …

Continue Reading about TSCRA supports STOP Screwworms Act to protect U.S. cattle herd

Crime watch: Cattle missing in Grayson County

May 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Randolph McGee, District 11 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Cattle missing in Grayson County

Crime watch: Cattle missing in McCurtain County, Okla.

May 12, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Bo Fox, District 12 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Cattle missing in McCurtain County, Okla.

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

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

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Sponsorships & Advertisement
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