Yesterday (Friday, April 8th), Texas Forest Service responded to six fires burning 3,013 acres across the state. The Cotton Ranch Fire in Sterling and Tom Green counties was contained at 95% and 2,930 acres.
179 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
Carry-over Fires:
Crews continue day and night shifts on the Swenson Fire in Stonewall County, currently 0% containment at 61,000+ acres. In addition to TFS fire resources, 4 TIFMAS strike teams are working this fire. Of the 7 nationally available heavy airtankers, 5 were committed to this fire yesterday.
The Camp Bowie Fire in Brown County had a slop-over yesterday and is now 3355 acres at 80% containment, TFS & a TIFMAS strike team are working the fire.
Crews continue to work the Sanderson Fire in Terrell County, currently 15% contained at approximately 1650 acres.
Other carry over fires are: the Harkey Fire in Schleicher county remains at 100% contained and 2,713 acres, the Waymon Fire in Glasscock county is 100% contained at 1200 acres, the Sand Ranch Fire in Andrews county is 100% contained at 4,610 acres, the Turner Fire in Midland county is 100% contained at 2,319 acres. An additional TIFMAS strike team has been prepositioned in Midland.
Prevention Messages:
- If you get rain, don’t assume the drought is over. Fuels dry out quickly with higher temperatures and increased winds.
- Obey outdoor burning bans. Don’t burn trash or debris when conditions are dry or windy. Unsafe burning of leaves, brush, household trash and other debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in Texas.
- Keep lawn mowers and agricultural equipment in proper working condition and avoid rocks and other materials which might cause a spark.
- To report suspicious activities, call the Arson Hotline at (888) 501-3850. If possible, safely obtain an accurate description of the person and/or vehicle (including the license number) before calling the hotline.
- With freezing temperatures behind us, now is the time to connect hoses to outside water faucets to help protect your home in the event of a wildfire. Your household water source can prove to be vital in protecting your home in some circumstances.
- Monitor weather for current and forecasted conditions prior to any burning activities. Debris piles can hold heat from several days to several weeks.
The most common cause of wildfires is humans: Careless debris burning, unattended campfires, dumping hot charcoal or hot ashes, driving on a flat tire, parking or driving in dry grass, dragging chains on the road and welding can all cause fires.
