By Landee Kieschnick
TFB Communications Intern
Without a warning, wildfires can spread across hundreds, even thousands, of acres, leaving livestock, farm equipment and homes behind in ashes.
The best way to minimize loss from a wildfire is to practice prevention methods beforehand, Phillip Truitt, communications specialist for the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS), said.
“We’re seeing a lot more people moving into rural areas putting more homes and people in risk of wildfires,” he said. “There are many precautions home and landowners can take. A little fire mitigation and prevention is the best way to keep property safe.”
One mode of action that Truitt noted is called defensible space. Pruning trees six to ten feet from the ground, mowing dead grass around the house or barn, keeping wood piles far away from your home and keeping the yard watered as much as possible can all play a part in preventing wildfires.
Recent rains across parts of Texas have benefited livestock and grass growth. Landowners should be mindful that once the grass dies off, it adds fuel to the fire.
“Since the rain, we’re seeing more grass this year than previous years. As landowners, you want to try to steer clear of driving your vehicle or ATVs in tall grass, stay on the road as much as possible,” Truitt said.
Another precaution is to be careful when welding, grinding or operating any machinery that can cause a spark.
“Most of the fires are human caused. They’re in pastures or on the side of the road—but near homes. It only takes one spark to start a wildfire,” Truitt said.
Since 2005, TFS has recorded 177,810 wildfires spanning more than 9,934,848 acres across Texas.
TFS offers prevention, preparedness and mitigation programs dedicated to wildfire precautions at home and as a community. Visit www.TexasFireWise.org to find out more on preventing wildfires.