State forest service warns of fire hazard

Temperatures may be dropping soon, but the extreme fire danger remains hot throughout the Texas Panhandle. Until the region receives significant rainfall, Texas Forest Service Assistant Chief Fire Coordinator Les Rogers says, “it’s just too dangerous to burn.”

A lack of rain coupled with a heavy fuel load of unseasonably dry grass and shrubs and harvested cornfields have left the Panhandle and its residents vulnerable as extreme fire danger continues to threaten the area. And as the season’s fronts begin to move through the region, fire officials are concerned about the lightning and gusty winds they often produce.

“Fires are burning quickly and intensely in this dry, heavy vegetation. And with gusting winds, fires, whether caused by lightning or humans, are quickly creating dangerous conditions for firefighters,” Rogers said. “I know we can’t stop lightning, but it’s critical for personal safety and that of firefighters that the public do what it can to prevent any accidental or human-caused fires.”

On September 19, a cigarette ignited a fire in Dallam County that consumed ten acres and threatened an affluent neighborhood, said Dalhart Fire Marshal Tom Morris.

The fire was burning through an open field that led up to the housing district. Fortunately for residents, Morris said, an alley separated the houses from burning field.

“The alley helped us stop the fire,” he said. “We were able to cut it off before it reached the houses.”

While Dallam County has seen an increase in fire activity, many regions of the Panhandle have not had the same problem, something Childress Fire Chief Steve Jones credits to the responsible actions of the public.

“People have been real careful,” Jones said. “But just because the temperatures are cooler, I don’t want people to think the danger is over.”

Rogers urges Panhandle residents to continue to keep up their guard and offers these tips: Light no open fires, including burn barrels and campfires; Comply with county burn bans; Extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays, not out the window or on the ground; Avoid driving or parking in tall grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation; When welding or using metal grinding equipment outside, select a clear area or wet down the work area and keep a fire extinguisher handy; Use caution when operating or repairing harvesting equipment.

A county burn ban continues to be in effect in Donley County. Commissioners will consider extending the ban when the court meets next Monday.