NEWS
Forest service warns of elevated fire danger this week in Texas
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The potential for wildfire activity increases this week as cold fronts are forecast to impact the state.
Today, temperatures near 70 degrees, wind speeds over 30 mph and relative humidity values below 20 percent will support wildfire activity in grasses and fine fuels near San Angelo, Abilene, Childress, Lubbock and Midland. Moisture levels in vegetation across these regions should help firefighters keep wildfires relatively small.
By Thursday, post-frontal conditions will become established across the state. Underlying dryness and dormant grasses combined with relative humidity values near 20 percent and northerly winds forecast over 20 mph will support wildfire activity in South Texas near Del Rio, Alice, Kingsville, McAllen and Laredo.
During the dormant fire season, which occurs during winter and spring, freeze-cured grasses across the state and increased wind speeds surrounding dry cold fronts support wildfire activity. The state generally experiences increased wildfire activity mid-February through mid-April during the dormant season.
Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 38 wildfires for 1,272 acres burned across the state since the beginning of the year.
“As the lead state agency for wildfire response, our analysts and fire managers continuously assess and monitor conditions statewide,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Even as we engage in response activities to support our partners and local jurisdictions impacted by Winter Storm Mara, we have personnel positioned across areas of concern that are prepared to respond to any new wildfire ignition.”
In addition to wildfire response, Texas A&M Forest Service is tasked with supporting all-hazard emergency response across the state.
Since Jan. 1, 147 Texas A&M Forest Service personnel have responded to all-hazard incidents across Texas, including Winter Storm Mara and the Deer Park/Pasadena tornado.
“The employees of this agency continue to selflessly serve the state of Texas every single day,” said Moorehead. “Whether it is responding to wildfire activity or supporting statewide response to all-hazard incidents, our personnel embody the service mission of the Texas A&M Forest Service.”
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.
NEWS
Gov. Abbott activates state emergency response resources ahead of severe storms, flash flood threat
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of increased threats of severe weather and flash flooding in large areas of the state through the weekend.
“Texas is prepared to deploy all resources needed to support local communities in South and Southeast Texas as they prepare to respond to severe weather and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate rescue boats, hoist capable helicopters, search and rescue teams, and other resources to help local emergency officials respond to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Texans are urged to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall with the potential to cause flash flooding is expected across South and Southeast Texas beginning today through the end of the week. Very hard, dry ground from prolonged drought will cause fast, excessive runoff that can lead to flash flooding concerns. Severe storms are also possible, with primary hazards of damaging winds and large hail expected across South Texas mid to late week. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecasts over the next several days.
At the Governor’s direction, TDEM activated the following state emergency response resources to support local flood response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 3): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, Flood Water Boat Squads
- Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
The following resources have been readied for activation to support local severe weather response operations if needed:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for state assistance. Additionally, the Texas Emergency Management Council continues to monitor increased wildfire danger across West Texas.
Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Texans can access flood information at TexasFlood.org, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Saint Jo Mayor Kelly Williamson and Police Chief Harvey Johnson will host an informal town hall meeting from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on March 29 at The Grazing Grove Restaurant.
All residents are invited to attend to address questions and foster a better understanding of current matters affecting the community.
The Montague County Grand Jury issued 30 indicted cases of its March session last week with six of those sealed awaiting the arrest of a suspect.
The following cases were filed in the 97th District Court Clerk’s office as of March 24.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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