Marshall, Texas – Fire danger remains elevated across East Texas as hot temperatures and a lack of significant rainfall create ideal conditions for wildfires. The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that firefighters responded to 22 wildfires over the weekend, burning approximately 180 acres of timber, brush and grassland.
What is fueling the fires?
Public Information Officer Andy McCrady explained that “anything that causes a spark outdoors is generally what is causing those fires.” He cited farm equipment during hay‑cutting season, vehicles with flat tires or trailers, and power‑line infrastructure as common ignition sources.
Dry vegetation across the region means it takes very little for a fire to ignite and spread. McCrady highlighted parts of Gregg, Panola and Harrison counties as especially vulnerable, noting a rapid drying trend around Longview, north of Carthage and up through Caddo Lake.
Expanded response resources
To prepare for an increase in wildfire activity, the Texas A&M Forest Service has expanded its response capabilities throughout East Texas. Additional crews, fire engines and bulldozers have been positioned across the region. “We staffed up every bulldozer crew that we have in East Texas,” McCrady said, adding that fire engines from the Texas Fire Interstate Mutual Aid System have been placed in many local offices. A TIFMAS strike team of five engines is also on standby to mobilize anywhere in the area.
The agency is strengthening aerial firefighting as well. A Texas Military Department Black Hawk helicopter is stationed in Lufkin, while an additional Sikorsky helicopter operates out of Mount Pleasant. Two scooper planes based in College Station are available to respond to fires in East Texas as needed.
Containment and public guidance
Despite the heightened risk, officials say all reported wildfires in East Texas have been successfully contained so far. McCrady urged residents to avoid outdoor burning, even in counties not currently under burn bans. “The burn bans are very important, but even if you’re not in a burn ban, all of East Texas is very dry. It’s not a good time to burn any debris,” he warned.
Statewide, the Texas A&M Forest Service responded to 38 fires over the weekend, which burned more than 5,600 acres. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions, follow any burn‑ban orders, and report any smoke or fire sightings to emergency services.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
