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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) A Murray Volunteer Fire Department brush truck arrives Friday, March 14 to assist other county volunteer fire units fight a grass fire near the transmission lines off of Fish Creek Road. Dust and smoke filled the air as volunteers units fought gusts of wind. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The top of a roof in the 300 block of Cement Mountain Road blew off and onto a power line, pressing it to a home Friday, March 14. High winds and dust were blown into Young County and other portions of the state Friday. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) A thick layer of dust covers the air in Graham due to dust being blown in Friday, March 14 from West Texas and New Mexico. With winds and dry weather predicted this week, the fire risk remains. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Volunteer fire units fought a grass fire near the transmission lines Friday, March 14 off of Fish Creek Road. Dust and smoke filled the air as volunteers units fought gusts of wind.
After winds blew through the state last week, elevated fire conditions return this week.
First responders in Young County and throughout the state worked hard to fight fires in over 40 mph winds Friday, March 14 while up against low visibility due to dust blown in from West Texas and New Mexico.
Volunteer firefighters, police and county units responded to down power lines, low hanging power lines, fires, loss of power calls and other situations in the county due to the wind.
The U.S. National Weather Service of Fort Worth issued a notice Sunday, March 16 that elevated fire weather conditions will continue each afternoon from Tuesday, March 18 through Friday, March 21.
“This is owing to dry fuels, periods of gusty winds, and low relative humidity,” the department said Sunday. “The greatest risk this upcoming week will be along and west of the I-35 corridor.”
A cold front Tuesday is expected to bring cooler temperatures before rising again into the weekend, while no precipitation is expected. NWS has forecast 20-30 mph winds the remainder of the week in Young County.
The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level from Texas A&M Forest Service was at Level 3 as of Monday afternoon, which means wildfire activity was impacting regions of the state due to drought, dry vegetation or frequent fire events.
TAMFS responded to 10 new requests for assistance Monday, March 17 on wildfires burning 177.5 acres across the state.
There are currently 135 counties which have enacted burn bans and, as of Monday afternoon, there are currently eight active wildfires across the state, the largest being the Windmill Fire in Roberts County which is at an estimated 23,147 acres and 95% contained.
Young County remains under a burn ban enacted by the commissioners court Monday, March 10.
All outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county for 90 days from the date of the adoption or unless rescinded by the commissioners court.
Violation of the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
TAMFS stated that 90% of wildfires are caused by people and their activities. Debris burning and equipment use are the two major causes of wildfires in the state.
To prepare your family for wildfires, TAMFS suggests creating a kit with supplies, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs and priceless items as well as pet supplies.
Residents should also plan an evacuation route in a vehicle or cell phone in case of an emergency.
