With hunting season under way and some areas of the state still recovering from last year’s drought, Texas Forest Service officials are urging caution for those heading outdoors.
Hunters should refrain from building campfires and burning debris during windy or dry conditions. More than 90 Texas counties currently are under a burn ban.
Keep in mind the following wildfire safety tips:
• If there is no burn ban in place and conditions are right, you may safely build a campfire. But keep the fire small, never leave it unattended and remove flammable leaves and other materials from the area surrounding the fire.
• Make sure the fire is extinguished and cold to the touch before you leave it.
• Clear combustible materials and vegetation away from your camp house to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire to spread.
• Keep water nearby when welding on stands.
• Drive only on designated trails. Don’t park or idle vehicles in tall, dry grass, which can be ignited by contact with a hot muffler.
• Use caution with cigarettes and matches.
• Use spark arresters on all power equipment.
