Northeast Texas Fire Complex Update

NORTHEAST TEXAS — As resources continue to demobilize, a smaller contingent of firefighters will remain in northeast Texas to monitor and mop up a number of fires as needed. The Texas Forest Service says these include the Magnolia Complex, Bear Creek, Rhonesboro, Dodson, Bowles, Johnson, Gethsemane, Angelina River Bottom, Marietta, Diana and Marshall fires — and numerous smaller fires scattered across a wide expanse. Mop up activities are expected to take several days to complete. Resources remaining include 23 engines, four 20-person hand crews, one dozer and two water tenders and three helicopters.

Officials point to cooler, breezy conditions that moved into the picture Friday. “With the fuels still extremely dry, if we get a new start, it could grow quickly. We are encouraging firefighters to be alert for rapidly changing situations and the ongoing potential for very active fire behavior,” said Incident Commander Mike Morcom. Dead and live vegetation remains dangerously dry; the public is asked to continue to use extreme caution and remember county burn bans remain 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 suggest you 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.

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.
Officials ask that you contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for a list of agencies that are currently accepting donations.

Recovery for Displaced Livestock Winding Down

Texas Animal Health Service, AgriLIFE Marion and Cass County Extension Service offices and the Texas Department of Agriculture is phasing out of recovery operations for livestock. Contact Eddie Hayes at 903-277-3979 for additional information. For small animal recovery, contact Caroline Weddings 903-790-9012 at the Marion County Humane Society.