Texas Enters 205th Day of Wildfires; Fires Ignited Daily as Drought Worsens

DALLAS – WBAP/KLIF – Texas is entering it’s 205th day of wildfires, and while the fire season in the year 2011 saw bigger fires, severe drought is increasing in severity so quickly, fire officials are now asking the public to be extra cautious about accidentally sparking them. Texas Forest Service’s Erin O’Connor says conditions are so dry that everyday activities like mowing the lawn can throw a spark that will quickly turn into a call for all hands to fight it. Parking your running vehicle on the side of the road can cause a hot catalytic converter to throw a spark that will cause a brush fire. Two big fires are still burning in Eastland and Jack Counties today, but they are about 80% contained. From January 1, 2018, to date, Texas has suffered more than 870 wildfires, burning through nearly 370 thousand acres. You are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately if you see a fire, and to call the Texas Arson Hotline at 877-4- FIRE if you suspect or know that a fire has been intentionally set.