Texas A&M Forest Service prepares to respond to rising wildfire risk as Arctic front causes drought, winds to persist

This past weekend, a strong Arctic cold front plowed across Texas, bringing not just cooler weather.

The lower humidity and gusty winds, paired with local drought conditions, increased the risk for wildfires.

At least half a dozen fires ignited in Southeast Texas between Sunday and Monday, and as of Nov. 10, all are contained.

With the chance of this wildfire risk continuing into winter, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith learned more about how emergency crews respond to these wildfires.

Matthew Ford with the Texas A&M Forest Service tells ABC13 that the protocols for responding to a wildfire in the state of Texas start at the local level.

“Fire departments, whether paid or volunteer, will always be first on scene. As they perform wildfire control measures, if they come into resistance and need additional support, we will be dispatched by the fire department for that supportive role,” Ford said.

The extra assistance the Forest Service can provide is pieces of equipment that a traditional fire station would not have. One example is a dozer, like a bulldozer, that can dig around the perimeter of a fire to prevent it from spreading. That is called a fuel break.

The Forest Service also clarified how wildfires differ across the state. The kind of wildfires here in East Texas tend to be smaller but more numerous than those in West Texas. One reason is because this side of the state is more populated, so there are more people and resources to help put out the fire. But on the flip side, it means more people are at risk.

One of the biggest concerns is not just the fire and flames, but the embers that can float and travel to new areas, where they can catch fire too. That’s why the Forest Service recommends clearing any debris, such as leaves, from gutters and the perimeter of your home.

Part of this equation is what’s called a wildland urban interface. That’s when communities and neighborhoods are built right up to nature, which is prevalent in the Woodlands and across Montgomery County. This can indirectly increase the risk of a wildfire spreading to more structures, putting people in harm’s way.

The best rule of thumb to avoid a wildfire from igniting is to take extra precautions and avoid outdoor burning when a Fire Weather Warning is in effect. Even if one isn’t, fires can spread quickly when we’re in drought conditions, the humidity is low, and there’s a gusty breeze. An example of what could bring this is when a wintertime cold front moves through.

For more on this story, follow Elyse Smith on Facebook, X and Instagram.