Newsweek has mapped out where active fires are currently burning across Texas, using data from the Texas A&M Forest Service. The state is currently facing multiple wildfires, with officials issuing warnings amid strong winds and dry conditions that have heightened fire risks.
Why It Matters
Wildfires continue to threaten communities across Texas, prompting evacuations. High winds and low humidity levels have created an ideal environment for rapid fire spread, prompting state and local agencies to issue urgent warnings to residents in affected areas.
What To Know
As of early Wednesday morning, several significant wildfires were burning across the state, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer, including:
- Windmill Fire (Roberts County): 23,287 acres, 99 percent contained
- Duval 1256 Fire (Duval County): 58.3 acres, 90 percent contained
- Crabapple Fire (Gillespie County): 9,858 acres, 90 percent contained
- High Lonesome Fire (Dallam County): 15,000 acres, 50 percent contained
- Double S Fire (Hutchinson County): 350 acres, 5 percent contained
The Double S Fire, located south of Borger, Texas, has resulted in road closures along SH 136 from Roosevelt Street to FM 1559 due to smoke reducing visibility, according to InciWeb.
In addition to the ongoing fires, several were reported by Texas A&M Forest Service as contained. These included:
- Triple T Fire (Potter County):1.5 acres
- Anderson 1391 Fire (Anderson County): 8.3 acres
- Cherokee 1393 Fire (Cherokee County): 0.5 acre
- Harrison 1360 Fire (Harrison County): 2 acres
- Harrison 1376 Fire (Harrison County): 6 acres
- Harrison 1378 Fire (Harrison County): 1.5 acres
- Harrison 1392 Fire (Harrison County): 50 acres
- Marion 1380 Fire (Marion County): 5.4 acres
- Rusk 1385 Fire (Rusk County): 7.5 acres
- Jasper 1390 Fire (Jasper County): 2 acres
- Newton 1395 Fire (Newton County): 3.5 acres
- Tyler 1403 Fire (Tyler County): 15 acres
The Texas A&M Forest Servicealso reported Tuesday that 137 Texas counties were under burn bans.
Much of the state remained on red flag warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday, indicating that severe fire weather remained a threat.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek: “This year has featured another active stretch of wildfire activity primarily across West Texas, with over 50,000 acres burned already.”
“The number of days featuring Red Flag Warnings so far this year is running above average across West Texas as a result of a long-term drought in the area. The drought combined with a very active storm track featuring very windy conditions with little to no precipitation has been the catalyst for multiple high, to extreme wildfire risk days.”
The Texas Division of Emergency Management said on X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday: “Firefighting efforts continue as local, state, & out of state firefighters work from the ground and air to contain the #CrabappleFire & other active wildfires across Texas.”
Texas A&M Forest Service said on X: “On March 18, a Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak will be possible in the High Plains, Caprock, & northern Rolling Plains where dry vegetation is exposed to high temperatures and extreme fire weather. These conditions will support fire spread and high resistance to control.”
The National Weather Service said in a red flag warning: “A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now…or will shortly. A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures will create favorable weather for rapid fire growth and spread. Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks.”
What Happens Next
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions as high winds and low humidity continue to pose fire risks across the state.
Fire crews are working to contain the active blazes, but officials stress the importance of fire prevention measures, urging residents to follow burn bans when necessary.
Buckingham said residents facing wildfire danger should clear vegetation around their property, creating a 30-foot “defensible space.” Tree branches should also be trimmed so they are at least 10 feet from other trees.
Families should develop an evacuation plan, including preparing an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medicine, and important documents. If an evacuation order is given, leave immediately.
“Wildfires can spread rapidly,” he cautioned, adding that people in affected areas should sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor local news and weather reports.
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