NJFFSA16
07-05-2005, 05:04 AM
High fire danger in Texas
LUFKIN, Texas (AP) - Crews battled fires in Texas as state and
federal forestry officials warned of an extremely high fire danger
throughout the state.
Thirteen fires involving 879 acres were fought in the state on
Sunday, with most of those in West Texas, said Mahlon Hammetter, a
fire prevention specialist with the Texas Forest Service. Dozens of
grass fires broke out Sunday night in Parker County just west of
Fort Worth. Figures weren't immediately available for Monday, but
at least one fire continued to burn in West Texas.
Drought conditions have left most of the state with a severe
fire danger. Light rains have done little to provide relief,
Hammetter said in a news release.
"Light or spotty rains sometimes create the perception that
fire danger has dropped enough for people to drop their guard about
outdoor fire safety," Hammetter said. "Rains have been very hit
and miss across East Texas, and fire danger remains at critical
levels in most areas. Where only light rains have fallen, that
moisture has already been baked out of vegetation by the summer
heat."
Officials say outdoor burning bans are in effect in 104 of
Texas' 254 counties. In national forests and grasslands in the
state, fires are allowed only in gas and propane grills, lanterns
and stoves in developed recreation areas. Smoking is limited to
enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites or in
3-foot circular areas cleared of flammable material.
Personnel are patrolling campgrounds and reminding people of the
fire danger, said Gay Ippolito, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest
Service.
A total of 676 fires involving 30,441 acres have been fought
this year by federal, state and local crews, said the Texas
Interagency Coordination Center in Lufkin.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
LUFKIN, Texas (AP) - Crews battled fires in Texas as state and
federal forestry officials warned of an extremely high fire danger
throughout the state.
Thirteen fires involving 879 acres were fought in the state on
Sunday, with most of those in West Texas, said Mahlon Hammetter, a
fire prevention specialist with the Texas Forest Service. Dozens of
grass fires broke out Sunday night in Parker County just west of
Fort Worth. Figures weren't immediately available for Monday, but
at least one fire continued to burn in West Texas.
Drought conditions have left most of the state with a severe
fire danger. Light rains have done little to provide relief,
Hammetter said in a news release.
"Light or spotty rains sometimes create the perception that
fire danger has dropped enough for people to drop their guard about
outdoor fire safety," Hammetter said. "Rains have been very hit
and miss across East Texas, and fire danger remains at critical
levels in most areas. Where only light rains have fallen, that
moisture has already been baked out of vegetation by the summer
heat."
Officials say outdoor burning bans are in effect in 104 of
Texas' 254 counties. In national forests and grasslands in the
state, fires are allowed only in gas and propane grills, lanterns
and stoves in developed recreation areas. Smoking is limited to
enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites or in
3-foot circular areas cleared of flammable material.
Personnel are patrolling campgrounds and reminding people of the
fire danger, said Gay Ippolito, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest
Service.
A total of 676 fires involving 30,441 acres have been fought
this year by federal, state and local crews, said the Texas
Interagency Coordination Center in Lufkin.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)