|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
photo by Sweet Home VFD |
photo by Mico VFD |
|
photo by City of Wichita Falls Fire Department |
photo by Campbell VFD |
photo by Iowa Park VFD |
|
photo by Burkburnett Fire Department |
photo by Center VFD |
photo by Dionne Hartnett |
|
photo by Robert Whitmore |
photo by New Mountain VFD |
Wildfire Information
Texas uses a tiered approach to wildfire response. Local fire departments and counties are the first responders, with state response activated as wildfires or conditions exceed local capabilities. Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency for wildfire response in the state and maintains a network of strategically placed firefighters and equipment to respond to wildfires across Texas. As the complexity of statewide wildfire response increases, wildland firefighters from across the nation are brought in, under state jurisdiction, to meet essential needs.
Help Needed If you are a firefighter in the State of Texas, we need your help to verify the station information shown below is current and correct.
If you have any information to add to this section, please email us at support@gumsnroses.com |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
photo by Dublin Fire Department |
photo by Olney VFD |
photo by Friberg Cooper VFD |
|
|
| Wildfire Information in Texas
|
|
Fire Danger
Texas A&M Forest Service continually analyzes current and predicted weather conditions, wildfire occurrence, and the presence and availability of vegetative fuels throughout the year to maintain a continual assessment of wildfire risk at the state, regional and local level. Utilizing this information, agency staff develop daily and seasonal forecasts to assist the state and local government entities in preparing for and responding to periods of elevated fire danger or fire seasons.
Burn Bans
Burn bans are enacted by local county government. Texas A&M Forest Service collects this information and provides a daily statewide map showing counties currently under a ban.
visit their website at Texas A&M Forest Service
Since its inception in 1915, one of the primary missions of Texas A&M Forest Service has been the suppression and extinguishing of forest fires. In 1993, the mission was expanded to include the coordination of response to each major or potentially major wildland fire in the state. Texas uses a tiered approach to wildfire response and suppression. Local fire departments and counties are the first responders, with state response being activated as wildfires or conditions exceed the local ability to control. Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency for wildfire response in the state. As the suppression resources of Texas A&M Forest Service and other state agencies are depleted, out-of-state resources are brought in, under state control, to meet essential needs. The Incident Command System is used to coordinate the efforts of all cooperators and minimize losses. Safe, but aggressive initial attack is emphasized, based on forecasted fire behavior. Rapid response and use of appropriate resources are also essential in preventing project fires. These fires are large, destructive, burn multiple days and tie up resources that may be needed to respond to new wildfires.
Preparing for wildfires
Wildfires know no boundaries. Protecting your home from wildfire differs depending on where you live.
- Protect your community
- Protect your home
- Protect your ranch
- Protect your wildlands
Wildland Urban Interface
The wildland urban interface is where developed areas intermingle with undeveloped areas. It is the area adjacent to property where actions can be taken to prevent damage or loss from wildfire. There are over 14,500 communities at risk of wildfire in Texas. Training community leaders to work with local residents to develop and implement local wildfire preparedness programs is the best strategy for reaching as many people as possible. Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Coordinators are well-trained professionals that provide a wide range of services to the public, as well as community leaders with cities, counties and other agencies.
Planning
In Texas, even a moderately sized wildfire may involve two to 10 fire departments, numerous pieces of county equipment, local law enforcement, emergency medical service and resources from Texas A&M Forest Service, Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas National Guard, Texas Division of Emergency Management and multiple out-of-state cooperators. To maximize safety and effectiveness, all of these responders need to be organized before the fire starts. Statewide, a fire season can easily involve hundreds of pieces of equipment and thousands of firefighters. Good planning and preparedness allows for a more effective and faster response, thereby reducing both losses and suppression cost. Although primarily focused on wildfire response, these functions must also support the agency’s rolls in the State Emergency Management Plan for all-hazard emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other domestic incidents.
|
|
 |
|
|