Critical fire weather conditions are expected to return tomorrow in the Texas Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service, and officials are warning residents to “remain very vigilant” to prevent new fires from starting.
“Everybody needs to understand that we face enormous potential fire dangers as we head into this weekend. No one can let down their guard. Everyone must remain very vigilant,” Gov. Greg Abbott said this afternoon.
“Please do not get wrapped around the axle on containment percentages,” Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd urged. “I do not want that to lead you to a false sense of security. As far as fire weather through this weekend, it is going to be a very active weekend.”
The abundance of dry grass coupled with high temperatures, strong wind gusts and low humidity create an environment susceptible to fires, officials warned, adding that Texans should refrain from participating in outdoor activities that may cause sparks or flames.
“Over 90% of wildfires are human-caused. We’ve got to get the message out; no new starts,” Kidd said. “We do not want to divert resources from our existing fires onto a new start fire.”