Texas A&M Forest Service raises wildfire preparedness level amid dry, hot conditions

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas A&M Forest Service has elevated the state’s Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to 2 in response to extended hot and dry conditions expected to increase wildfire activity. This move brings additional firefighting resources to key areas to prepare for heightened risks.

The Texas A&M Forest Service oversees the state’s wildfire response, using a five-level preparedness system to ensure resources are ready to be deployed where needed. At Level 2, elevated fire danger is observed in some regions, and aircraft are positioned in the state for quick response to emerging fires.

The preparedness levels are dictated by factors such as weather, wildfire activity, and the availability of fire suppression resources. A Level 1 status reflects normal conditions where local resources can handle any fire incidents, while a Level 5 indicates extreme fire danger, requiring interagency cooperation and substantial state and federal resources.

Erin O’Conner with the Texas A&M Forest Service, explained that the current shift to Level 2 is due to prolonged dryness and warmer-than-usual conditions.

“So, we’re anticipating, as we move into and through October, seeing an increase in our wildfire activity. With that, moving that preparedness level up triggers some things internally, such as bringing in more aircraft and additional resources to assist with requests across the state. It also signals to the public to be more cautious with anything that may cause a spark on the landscape,” said O’Conner.

O’Conner says firefighting tools like aircraft are a crucial part of Texas’ wildfire response strategy, with eight currently available to assist ground crews.

“It’s our eyes in the sky. It tells us what’s going on. It’s also something we can mobilize to an incident very fast. So, before our crews even get on the scene, we can have aircraft already dropping water if there are homes or infrastructure at risk. That’s a really great tool for us to utilize,” O’Conner explained. “We do currently have eight aircraft in the state. We’re planning on mobilizing more as we can to assist with any requests for assistance across the state.”

As fire danger rises, residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay informed through county officials and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Homeowners can also mitigate wildfire risks by creating defensible space around their properties—removing dry grass, trimming trees, and reducing vegetation that could fuel fires.

“Just preventing wildfires. We need the public to be aware of the conditions. If it’s warm, if it’s dry out, just delay any activity that may cause a spark on the landscape, but also prepare yourself and your home. There are little things you can do around your home that create a buffer between the building and the grasses, trees, and shrubs—anything that could catch on fire if it’s dry,” added O’Conner. “That space will help slow a wildfire, but it will also provide firefighters with a safe space to work in case they need to defend your home.” he added.

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