By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
Despite recent rains, the risk for wildfire remains across much of Texas.
To prevent future fires from burning pastures, crops, homes and businesses, the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) is urging hunters to use caution with anything that could create a spark and ignite a fire outdoors.
“The rain is great. It’s given us a temporary reprieve, but the long-term drought is still there,” Karen Stafford, TFB program coordinator, said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “We definitely want Texas hunters to be very aware of how dry the grass is.”
People should use caution when parking and letting vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), idle on or near dry grass and other vegetation.
“The underside of that vehicle can become hot enough to ignite that dry grass and start a fire,” Stafford said. “So, we want everybody to be cautious about parking and idling.”
The majority of wildfires in Texas, about 90%, are caused by people and their activities, like driving on dry grass, burning debris and leaving a campfire unattended.
“As the weather cools down, it’s not a camp without a campfire, but we do want everybody to remember to please check those local burn bans,” Stafford said. “If burn bans are still in effect, please respect those and not have a campfire.”
According to TFS, campfires cause 2% of preventable wildfires during hunting season in Texas.
Debris burning causes 75%.
“If they are in an area that does not have a burn ban, and if conditions are safe, then just keep some safety tips in mind with those campfires,” Stafford said. “Make sure the area is completely clear of all other flammable materials. Keep a water source nearby. Keep the fire small and manageable. Never, ever leave it unattended.”
Before leaving the campsite, it’s critical that hunters and campers also make sure the campfire is completely out. This can be done by drowning the fire, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold.
Hunters should also be mindful of the ammunition they’re using. According to TFS, high-velocity ammunition should be avoided when fire danger is high.
“Be careful of where you’re shooting. Look ahead. See what’s behind your target whether you’re target practicing or shooting at your prey into tall, dry grass,” Stafford said. “Those casings are hot enough when they fall into dry grass, it could potentially start a fire.”
Hunters, and those around them, should be on the lookout for any fires that may start during the hunt and be prepared to put them out with a bucket of water, water hose or fire extinguisher if needed.
“If you see a fire anywhere, immediately call 9-1-1 so we can respond to it,” Stafford said.
People hauling trailers to their camp site should ensure tow chains are not dragging the ground and creating sparks.
“Make sure your wheel bearings are safe and operational. Make sure they’re not becoming overheated. Sometimes we do get fires starting from overheated wheel bearings, brakes that are malfunctioning and sending hot pieces of metal into the grass,” Stafford said.
Overheated wheel bearings, and items dragging from vehicles and trailers can leave a trail of grassfires along the side of a road as those hot pieces of metal hit dry vegetation.
As of Oct. 20, 73% of Texas was still suffering from drought conditions.
At that time, 143 of the 254 counties in Texas remained under a burn ban.