COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The Brazos Valley has been experiencing extreme heat. Temperatures have reached triple digits over the past few days without any rain. College Station Fire Department says heat and dry weather are the perfect recipe for grass or wildfires. Over the past week, over 60 wildfires across Texas have burned more than 10,000 acres of land. On Monday, several fires broke out along Highway 6.
When it comes to grass fires, the CSFD’s approach is to contain them, not fight them. CSFD Captain Stuart Marrs says grass fires thrive in extreme heat and dry weather.
“We are monitoring grass fires all over the state. There are four active fires in the state. They are in North Texas and we have firefighters from College Station helping to control and contain those fires,” said Captain Marrs.
However, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, nearly 90 percent of the fires they respond to are caused by humans.
“Anything that creates a spark, so someone out there welding on their fence on a Saturday or just working in the yard. Those aren’t always the things we think about when it comes to starting grass fires,” said Erin O’Connor of the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Captain Marrs says something as small as a cigarette butt can start a big fire.
“It’s getting so dry outside, the fire risk is increasing,” said Captain Marrs.
And once a fire has broken out, it is not easy to extinguish.
“Get it under control by using things like fire stops. The phrase ‘fight fire with fire’ comes from fighting a grass fire. You would be burning a backfire,” Captain Marrs said.
First responders advise being cautious and alert when using anything that can start or ignite a fire. Even equipment like lawn mowers, string trimmers and chainsaws can start wildfires.
“You always have to be careful what you are doing and be careful when there are ignition sources in the dry grass,” said Captain Marrs.
According to the Forest Service, homeowners can prevent grass fires by cleaning their gutters and removing vegetation around their home, such as building walkways or laying dirt to separate the grass from the house.
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