Fire risks concern officials

RUSK – As conditions across the region begin to dry out, East Texas fire officials are warning people to be careful before lighting fireworks this holiday weekend. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, a five-acre fire was put out in Upshur County.

According to our news partner KETK, the latest drought monitor shows most of East Texas is either abnormally dry or in a severe drought.

“It looks like conditions are starting to creep back in, that the drought is starting to intensify in the area, and normally when that happens, especially around the 4th of July, we see an uptick in grass and brush fires,” Support Director for ESD1, Michael Searcy said.

On Wednesday, a burn pile got away from a resident and turned into a grass fire. Crews were able to put out the fire before the flames reached the tree line.

“The stuff outside right now is still pretty green and it’s still got a little bit of moisture in it, so we’ve been able to jump on these fires pretty quick and get a hold of them,” Searcy said.

Searcy said after a wet spring, there is a lot of growth but as temperatures continue to rise, the wind could fuel fires and cause any spark to quickly get out of hand.

“Keep a good clean space, keep buckets of water or a hose nearby, and keep an eye on the fire.”

Searcy advises people to wet the ground before sparking a fuse.

“Sometimes tonight or tomorrow before popping off fireworks, if it’s on grass, just give it a good watering. Just give it probably 10 or 15 minutes with a water hose,” Searcy said.

The little rain forecasted during the holiday weekend will not be enough to remedy the dry grass. Emergency officials urge people to keep an eye on the fire and immediately call 911 if the flames cannot be contained on your own.