Smith County Continues Monitoring Wildfire Situation

SMITH COUNTY — Officials say due to the number of fires experienced in the area, combined with the diminishing winds, smoke is expected to remain in the City of Tyler for the next few days. According to KETK, more than 30,000 acres have burned across the region. Smoke will tend to settle into lower elevations and remain throughout parts of East Texas. The City of Tyler Division of Emergency Management stands ready to assist in any way possible. The Tyler Fire Department has temporarily increased staffing levels due to the increased number of fires that the county has experienced. The situation may continue for several days due to the continuing dry conditions.

Smith County officials note, “A large portion of East Texas is currently experiencing smoke coverage. This is due to high humidity and a lack of wind surrounding several East Texas forest fires, according to information from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report smoke in the air; emergency services are aware of the condition. It is imperative that 9-1-1 lines stay clear to report active emergencies.”

State Highway 31 and county roads in the Jackson Heights area are now reopened following Monday night’s evacuation on Highway 31 East. The fire will continue to burn in the Jackson Heights area for several days, but officials say no structures are currently in danger. According to a county press statement, volunteer fire departments from around the county will continue to monitor hot spots in the area until the fire is fully contained.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter site for people who have been displaced from their homes in Smith County due to the fires. The shelter site is located at the First Christian Church at South Broadway and Loop 323 in Tyler. Citizens are urged to remain cautious during these dry conditions.

For a map of fires: http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/default.aspx