Wildfire preparedness encouraged as conditions remain warm and dry across Texas

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — We cannot control when disasters strike, but we can make sure we are prepared.

Freeze-cured grasses, unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions will support increased potential for wildfire activity into early spring 2026. Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans to prepare for wildfires and other disasters by assembling an emergency go kit.

“Being prepared ahead of time for a disaster such as wildfires, hurricanes, winter storms or tornadoes is crucial,” said Laura Stevens, Texas A&M Forest Service fire information and education program coordinator. “Successfully preparing for a disaster requires everyone to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their families and their properties. Preparation can save valuable time and help keep your family safe during an emergency.”

Stay Prepared

All Texans are encouraged to assemble an emergency go kit that can be easily carried and includes supplies for several days. Your kit should include the five Ps:

• People and pet supplies.
• Prescription medications and other necessary medical equipment.
• Papers and important documents such as insurance and identification documents and a list of phone numbers.
• Personal needs, including food, water, clothing, money, chargers for devices and a first aid kit.
• Priceless items such as photos, family heirlooms and any other irreplaceable or valuable items.

Being prepared also means making sure your home is protected if you are required to leave it. Proactive steps to prepare your home to reduce the risk of wildfire include:

• Creating defensible space around your home allows for low-intensity, slow-burning conditions in the event of wildfire.
• Within the first 5 feet, water plants, trees and mulch regularly, and consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water restrictions. Within the first 30 feet of your home, use nonflammable landscaping materials.
• A healthy, well-maintained landscape is important to the survival of homes during a wildfire. Make sure your plants are carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
• Remove dead vegetation from under the deck of your home and within 10 feet of the house.
• Remove dead vegetation and debris from roofs and gutters.
• Prune your trees 6-10 feet up from the ground.

“Even simple actions like moving flammable material away from wooden structures such as decks and steps, pruning shrubs in front of windows and under mature trees, and cleaning out gutters can be done to prepare your home to defend itself,” Stevens said.

Stay Aware

Since Jan. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 249 wildfires that burned 5,528 acres statewide. In the coming months, wildfire danger is predicted to continue due to the warm, dry weather and drought conditions most of Texas is experiencing. This critically dry vegetation is highly susceptible to ignition from any spark. Be mindful of any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

• Always check with local officials for outdoor burning restrictions in your area. Obey local burn bans or other restrictions. Do not conduct any outdoor burning in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
• Vehicles may cause wildfires. Secure trailer safety chains to ensure they do not cause a spark and ignite a roadside fire.
• Avoid parking or idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters underneath the vehicle can become hot enough to ignite grass under the vehicle.
• Many outdoor activities may produce sparks and ignite nearby vegetation including welding, grinding, mowing or shredding. If possible, postpone these activities until fuel dryness conditions improve. If not possible, take extra precautions by having a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

Many of the recent wildfire starts have been attributed to human activities such as equipment use and debris burning and are preventable.

Stay Informed

Conditions can change quickly, and it is important to have your go kit ready and easily accessible.

• Sign up for your local emergency alerts
• Monitor local weather conditions and fire activity
• Know where to go and have two escape routes
• Follow local emergency management official communication channels
• Follow directions and guidance from emergency response officials. Heed any warnings issued and evacuate when ordered.

Follow directions and guidance from emergency response officials. Heed any warnings issued and evacuate when ordered.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

To check for local burn bans, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.

For more information about wildfire prevention, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/homeowners-prevention-and-preparedness/

For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/