NEWS
Wildfire activity forecasts to increase along, west of I-35 through Monday

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Wildfire activity is forecast to increase Friday through Monday along and west of I-35 and into South Texas as dormant vegetation dries and becomes receptive to fire ignitions.
An abundance of freeze cured grasses observed in these regions has contributed to recent wildfire activity and will once again be a factor in the increased wildfire potential this weekend. Wildfire potential will be greatest west of I-35 Sunday and Monday around Wichita Falls, Mineral Wells, Lampasas, San Angelo, Midland, Lubbock, Childress and Abilene as temperatures warm into the mid 70’s and low 80’s combined with increased wind speeds over dry, dormant vegetation.
On Tuesday, wildfire activity will be confined to the pre-frontal environment in Southwest Texas as an arctic cold front pushes to the south.
Since Monday, local and state fire resources, including Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters, responded to 91 wildfires that burned 7,312 acres.
The dormant fire season, occurring during winter and spring, is generally characterized by freeze-cured grasses across the landscape and increased wind speeds surrounding dry cold front passages. Peak fire activity during the dormant fire seasons occurs mid-February through mid-April.
“Wildfire activity has increased across the state and is driven by underlying drought and above normal grass production from last year’s growing season,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “We have increased the number of personnel, equipment and aircraft in state to assist with a response as we’re concerned about large areas of the state.”
Texas A&M Forest Service has fully staffed task forces and suppression equipment staged in Victoria, Kingsville, Childress, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Burkburnett, Fredericksburg, Smithville, McGregor, San Angelo and Mineral Wells.
Additional agency personnel and overhead, including incident commanders with advanced qualifications, are prepositioned across areas of concern.
Texas A&M Forest Service has increased the number of aviation resources available in state with the addition of six single engine air tankers and 2 type one helicopters. In total, two large airtankers, nine single engine air tankers, two type one helicopters, two type 3 helicopters, two air attack platforms and two aerial supervision modules are staged in state to assist with wildfire response efforts.
“This year, we’ve utilized aviation assets for response in areas with increased wildfire activity,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Planning and Preparedness Department Head. “There is continued potential for wildfire activity to occur, and we want to be prepared by having aircraft in state, ready to respond.”
Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management also worked together to mobilize three additional strike teams via Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) for a total of six teams that will provide wildfire incident support.
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human caused. Texas A&M Forest Service encourages the public to avoid outdoor activities that cause a spark while warm, dry and windy conditions are present.
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.
NEWS
Pedestrian vs. vehicle crash kills woman

A 42-year-old woman from Henrietta was killed in a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident at 3:30 p.m. on June 6 on U.S. Highway 287 near N. Butler Road.
The Department of Public Safety report states Car Dianne Chitwood was driving a 2015 Honda Accord northwest on U.S. 82. She was having mechanical issues and had stopped the vehicle on the left shoulder, partially in the left lane.
Chitwood had exited the vehicle and stood in the left lane to inspect the Honda. A second vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Kymberly Michelle Riddle, 61, Laramie, WY was also traveling northwest on U.S. 82 and struck the pedestrian and vehicle one.
The DPS report states Chitwood was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained during the crash. Riddle was uninjured. The crash remains under investigation.
NEWS
Casey Hall arrested after appeal bond was revoked

Texoma’s Homepage reported former 97th District Attorney Casey Hall was arrested in Sulphur Springs after her appeal bond was revoked. Click on the above link to read the story.
NEWS
Bowie City Council meets on June 10

The Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on June 10 in the council chambers.
The meeting opens with the city manager’s report on meetings with the engineers on the Rock and Pillar Street repairs, budget preparation and substation transformer work.
In new business there will be resolution for allocating funds for a park enhancement project from 4B funds to build pickleball courts in Pelham Park. A pair of planning and zoning recommendations for a replat will be reviewed. Public comments conclude the agenda.
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