Northeast Texas Fire Complex Update

NORTHEAST TEXAS — Firefighters are taking on a new assignment for the Northeast Texas Fire Complex. The Texas Forest Service is concerned about 60 smaller uncontained fires scattered across Northeast Texas that started in the last 30 days or so and have a high potential for reburn under current extreme conditions. Firefighters are being asked to check the fires for residual heat and hot spots and mop up as needed. Crews will also be assessing control lines for leaf litter and needles and clean up as needed to reduce the potential for any escapes. Texas Forest Service liaisons will assist firefighters in coordinating access prior to entry on private lands.

“The public may not be aware of these smoldering fires but there may be heat contained within them, particularly underground, where tree roots are still smoldering. We’ve had a lot of leaf litter dropping from the trees in the last several weeks, and this has created a new fuel bed that could easily ignite,” said Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator David Abernathy. Officials point out that despite residual moisture and moderated temperatures, fuels remain dangerously dry, and county burn bans are still in effect.

The Texas Forest Service and the local volunteer fire departments are asking the public to continue to work on defensible space around their homes and property to lower risk in their community from wildfire. They ask you to take responsibility for the safety of your family and animals and develop your evacuation plan. You can go to http://www.wildlandFireRSG.org and http://www.firewise.org for additional information on defensible space and evacuation preparedness. Air support currently assigned to the complex includes one heavy helicopter (holds up to 2,000 gallons of water), one medium helicopter (holds up to 320 gallons of water) and a light helicopter for reconnaissance flights. Total personnel working on the Northeast Texas Fire Complex is 349.

Disaster Assistance and Donations

The Red Cross has arranged for local charities to access the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) system for those needing disaster assistance. Through CAN, caseworkers have access to secure client information providing collaboration and ease of referral between agencies. Call 800-RED-CROSS for additional information. You can contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for a list of agencies that are currently accepting donations.

Recovery & Needed Donations for Displaced Animals

Texas Animal Health Service has been working with AgriLIFE Marion and Cass County Extension Service offices and the Texas Department of Agriculture for recovery of large and small animals. Contact Eddie Hayes at 903-277-3979 for additional information. Hay donations are being accepted for horses and cattle. Drop off for animal feed is at the Linden Rodeo Arena on State Highway 8 in Linden. For additional small animal recovery, you can contact Caroline Weddings 903-790-9012 at the Marion County Humane Society.