CVFD says danger high for wildfires

The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department is reminding everyone that the risk of wildfire is increasing as we move into the winter months.

“We have been blessed over the summer months with above average rainfall,” said CVFD First Assistant Chief Jeremy Powell. “Now we have above average fuel load for wildfires to deal with in our winter months.”

The Texas Forest Service is predicting a dryer and warmer than usual weather pattern for those of us in the Texas Panhandle. With dry windy conditions and a heavy fuel load in place, the potential for an extreme wildfire event is on the rise. Extreme caution should be exercised to help prevent a wildfire.

While fires of all types are always of concern, extreme wildfires pose the greatest threat to rural areas as was seen in 2005-2006.

“Just because you live in a town or city does not mean that you cannot be affected by a wildfire,” Powell said. “The town of Cross Plains with a population of 1,086 was overrun by a wildfire on December 27, 2005, that destroyed 85 homes and unfortunately took the lives of two residents.”

In the event of an extreme wildfire situation, local fire departments could quickly be overwhelmed and any help from you will make their job easier and may help to prevent damage to your property.

“We encourage you to take measures now to reduce the threat of wildfire around your homes, farms and ranches by following these steps from the Texas Forest Service.”

Much more valuable information is available on the Texas Forest Service Website @ txforestservice.tamu.edu

• LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.

• Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

• All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats and stacked lumber should be kept away from structures.

• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

• Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

• In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least three times the fuel length around all structures. Closely mow all grasses and weeds around structures.

• Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and a bucket or two for water.

• Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

• Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.

• Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.
In the unfortunate event that a wildfire that gets out of control, please cooperate with local law enforcement and fire departments as they work to protect lives and property by promptly following and heeding evacuations request and road closures to help protect you and the emergency responders alike.

“With cooperation from the public to help prevent wildfires and also to reduce the damage that can be caused by one by the following the above steps, we hope to make it through another winter wildfire season safely,” Powell said.

“Please remember, if you plan to do some burning on your property, please give us a courtesy call by contacting the Donley County Sheriffs Office at 806 874-3533.”