Texas: State Fire Marshal Urges Extreme Caution Due to Drought Conditions

With Texas experiencing the worst drought conditions in years, State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado is urging local officials and all Texas residents to be vigilant in doing what they can to prevent wildfires.

“It is paramount that we all do what is necessary to prevent wildfires right now. This weekend will be especially dangerous as many celebrate the New Year with fireworks,” said Maldonado. “But the extremely dry conditions are going to continue well beyond this holiday period. Any outdoor activity that can produce sparks or flames could potentially lead to a wildfire that will be difficult to control, threatening life and property.”

Recent wildfires in north and east Texas have caused at least four deaths and burned tens of thousands of acres, destroying more than 100 structures including 78 homes. Maldonado believes most of these fires were the result of some human action, underscoring the need for all Texans to comply with local ordinances and take common sense precautions to avoid accidental ignitions.

As long as the extreme drought conditions persist, the danger of wildfires remains a strong possibility.

County commissioners in more than half of all Texas counties have instituted local burn ban orders and many of these communities have also restricted the use of aerial fireworks, specifically prohibiting the sale or use of rockets with sticks and missiles with fins.

Maldonado says while all fireworks can be dangerous, these two types in particular pose unique hazards in regard to fires.

“Texans should exercise extreme caution over the holiday weekend and celebrate without the use of dangerous fireworks, particularly aerial fireworks that can start a fire far from where they were originally lit,” Maldonado said. “A person using fireworks may not know they have sparked a fire until it’s too late. The risk of lost lives and homes is simply too high.”

Source: Texas Department of Insurance news release

Posted: Friday, December 30, 2005 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Thursday, January 12, 2006 3:54:20 PM.

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