NEWS
Texas A&M Forest Service mobilizes for potential wildfire activities
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Wildfire activity is forecast to increase along and west of I-35 and into South Texas through the weekend.
An abundance of extremely dry dormant grasses and intensifying drought may produce large wildfires that are difficult to control when exposed to periods of elevated to critical fire weather.
Since Saturday, state and local resources have responded to 70 wildfires that burned 15,274 acres across the state.
Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the current situation closely and has prepositioned personnel and equipment across areas of concern.
“The underlying drought conditions combined with winds associated with cold front passages has supported increased wildfire activity across the state this week,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Conditions are not forecast to improve through the weekend, and the agency has strategically placed fire resources across the state for a quick and effective response.”
Fully staffed task forces and additional suppression equipment are staged in Alice, Amarillo, Beeville, Brownwood, Burkburnett, Childress, Edinburg, Fort Stockton, Fredericksburg, Lubbock, McGregor, Merkel, Mineral Wells, Pleasanton, San Angelo, Smithville and Victoria.
Additionally, fireline supervisors, command staff and incident commanders with advanced qualifications are strategically placed across the state to respond.
Aviation resources currently staged in state include two large airtankers, 12 single engine air tankers, four air attack platforms, three type 1 helicopters, two type 3 helicopters and one aerial supervision module are currently staged in state for wildfire response.
During periods of high fire activity, aviation resources are used to support suppression efforts on the ground, aiding in the protection of structures and other valuable resources. Aircraft responded to eight wildfires over the past week, assisting ground crews with a total of 66,000 gallons of water and retardant to slow forward progression of fires.
Texas A&M Forest Service has requested the mobilization of six strike teams via Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) for wildfire incident support.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.
The Bowie City Council March 25 meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting will be on April 8.
Montague County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on March 24.
Michael Edgin, of Edgin, Fleming and Fleming PC will present the county’s 2023-24 outside audit report.
A proclamation will be offered naming April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include: Consider two bonds for Tax Assessor Kathy Phillips; review closing the annex sinking fund and transfer the existing balance into the general fund; approve the 2025 Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool, Property Renewal questionnaire related to county properties; consider county child welfare services non-financial agreement between Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Montague County; request for precinct one to remove nine trees in fence row for Larry Scott on Mallard Road; precinct two request to clear a fence row for Oak Hills Retreat Center on Wells Service and Rocky Road and one to clear a fence row for Larry Stark on Well Service Road; receive unanticipated revenue of $500 from H20 Fastline Excavation on Leonard Road in precinct two and discuss releasing site improvement bond of $605,999 for Stonebridge Estates Phase II in precinct two.
Looking at the Bowie Independent School District’s agenda for March 24, there could be some changes in leadership at the elementary school and junior high.
The 5:30 p.m. Monday agenda lists an executive session for personnel considerations: Bowie Elementary School principal and Bowie Junior High School principal. Trustees also will review the intruder audit report.
In other agenda items, Superintendent Blake Enlow will discuss the memo of understanding with North Central Texas College and BISD regarding the Red River Promise Program for 2024-26. He also will provide a state legislative update and information on the Texas Association of School Boards spring workshop on March 29 at the Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls.
Assistant Superintendent Lee Ann Farris will discuss the district’s Texas Essential Knowledge Skills certification form and instructional materials, along with the mock assessment and board goals updates.
Finance Director Paula Peterson will report on the preliminary budget work along with funding, property values and budget development.
After other monthly and campus reports, the board has one action item as its considers requirements of House Bill 1605 as related to BISD’s open education resource (Bluebonnet Learning) transition plan.
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