During the upcoming Labor Day weekend and start of dove hunting season, Texans are urged to help protect lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire.
This from a press release from the Texas A&M Forest Service that goes on to say, “Hot and dry conditions in August resulted in increased wildfire activity across North and Northwest Texas.
Throughout August, Texas experienced 281 wildfires that burned 24,333 acres.
With rain and increased moisture in the forecast, the risk of wildfire activity will be reduced. However, Texans should continue to be cautious with all outdoor activities that may cause a spark.
Wildfires caused by vehicles, trailers, ATV/UTVs and other equipment frequently used while hunting and camping are common during hunting season, which occurs each year from September to January.”
To avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while dove hunting:
-Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass – the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans.
View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/
-If you are taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that the tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road and any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all of which can cause sparks.
-Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/