Officials Warn Residents of Extremely High Fire Danger

LONGVIEW — Longview Mayor Jay Dean and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt warn residents of the extremely high fire danger in the East Texas area. The region is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of dry conditions beyond those seen within the past 100 years. All residents are encouraged to avoid any activities that create even the smallest spark. Residents are asked to report any careless or suspicious activity to law enforcement during these very dry conditions. According to some estimates, approximately 80% of the wildfires have been the result of human activity that could have been avoided. Due to the dry conditions, the threat of fires is not expected to diminish any time soon.

Officials remind residents that Longview and surrounding communities are not immune to fire danger. Within a two-day period earlier this week, there were two significant fires within or adjacent to Longview city limits. According to Dean, “We need our residents to avoid any activity that would lead to a spark. If you see someone doing something that could lead to a fire or acting suspiciously, please report them to your law enforcement agencies. This is absolutely not a time for people to be careless.”

Fire Safety Tips:

– Have an exit strategy from your home, business, and neighborhood to multiple points of exit.
– Do not wait for someone to tell you to evacuate. Be watchful and evacuate if the fire danger is nearby.
– For your own safety, if you don’t live near the fires, please stay away from the area around the fires.
– Avoid activities that can create a spark. Examples include burning of any kind, outdoor cooking or grilling, improper disposal of cigarettes, industrial activities such as welding or other construction, or use of any older equipment without spark arrestors.

You can visit http://www.FireWise.org for additional fire safety tips.