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Elevated wildfire risk expected across Texas this week

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service warns of increased wildfire danger, as changing weather conditions impact the state.

After increasingly dry conditions over the past 10 days, Texas has experienced a warming trend this week. In portions of the Texas Plains, last week’s first hard freeze has pushed native grasses into dormancy. Dormant and cured grasses ignite more easily and require less drying and fire-conducive weather to support wildfire activity.

“Elevated fire weather conditions are expected on Thursday across areas near Amarillo, Childress and Lubbock, where dry, dormant grasses will contribute to increased potential for wildfire activity,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “A large wildfire with moderate resistance to control is possible, particularly in areas with complex terrain near river drainages, where conditions may support more challenging fire behavior.”

Recent trends show that nearly 40% of wildfires reported in Texas over the past week were caused by debris burning and equipment use. These activities can easily ignite a wildfire under current dry and warm conditions.

“With current weather conditions setting the stage for increased wildfire activity, we need all Texans to do their part in prevention,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It is critical to follow local burn bans, properly maintain equipment and take extra precautions to help prevent wildfires.”

No precipitation is forecast statewide for the next seven days. An unusually warm and dry pattern is expected to persist for at least the next two weeks. As hot and dry conditions persist, consider the following:

  • Always obey local burn bans and outdoor burning restrictions. Wait to conduct any outdoor burning or light campfires until the burn ban has been lifted, and weather conditions improve.
  • When a burn ban is in place, residents should avoid outdoor activities that may cause a spark, including welding, grinding and using heavy machinery.
  • Exercise extreme caution when working outdoors with heavy equipment. Malfunctioning equipment can spark or overheat and cause a wildfire. Check equipment frequently for trapped debris and check bearings for signs of overheating.
  • Many areas of Texas are experiencing high temperatures, dry and windy weather conditions. Residents should stay up to date on weather conditions and always use extreme caution when performing outdoor activities even if not under a burn ban.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For more information about wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/homeowners-prevention-and-preparedness/

For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/

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Amon Carter Lake Board to meet

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Members of the Amon Carter Lake Water Supply Corporation will meet at 6 p.m. on May 26 in the office at 607A Lindsey for a monthly meeting.
Items on the agenda include a consent agenda and minutes and financials. Possible discussion/action may be considered on the following topics: Treasurer’s report, review of finance and current loans; president’s report as to the written agreements with contractual employees; consider current water rates and a possible increase; and review of expenses and areas that need amendment.
An executive session may be entered to discuss personnel issues.

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Saint Jo City Council hires fire marshal

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The City of Saint Jo has a new fire marshal as the city council made the appointment during its May 13 meeting.
Gary Hines, a retired professional firefighter and certified fire investigator, will take the position. City Secretary Debbie Dennis said the post is required by ordinance but has not been filled for a long period.
The council set dates for a budget workshop for 2 p.m. on June 14 and 2 p.m. on June 28 for the ordinance workshop, as the council works to update its rules.

Aldermen gave their support to a proposition by Councilman Jack Dunn who is asking the Legislature to allow Texas’ smallest cities, those with 2,500 or few in population, to receive an additional share of sales and use tax. He would like to see the funds used in these communities to repair and replace aging infrastructure without new taxes or reliance on state grants.
In letter to State Rep. David Spiller, whom Dunn will meet with on June 1, the alderman explains much of the state’s 6.25% share generated locally flows into general funds and is spent on other priorities. He would like Spiller to author this legislation. Dunn gave the letter to the council along with a powerpoint on the plan.
“A single water treatment plant upgrade or sewer rehab carries massive, fixed costs that do not shrink with population size. These communities, often with only a few hundred or a couple thousands residents, simply cannot spread those costs across enough ratepayers or a broad tax based,” the letter states.
Dunn suggests a “graduated sales tax retention policy:” 1% additional share for cities with 2,500 or fewer residents; .75% for those 2,500 and 5,000; and .50% for cities between 5,001 and 10,000. It would be dedicated to infrastructure. Dunn says the overall statewide fiscal impact would be negligible, but could help sustain small, rural cities.

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City of Nocona buys water storage tank, review dam repair

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The Nocona City Council approved a bid for a new 203,000 gallon capacity tank for potable water at the water plant and learned a slide repair to the lake dam is going to be pretty costly.
At its May 12 session the council received three bids on the tank and went with one from Tank Depot of Cleburne for $193,923. It is for a a 217,600 gallon tank usable for 203,000 gallons. The price could change slightly since it was based on estimate freight costs.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

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