With the wildfire in Texas’ Bastrop County mostly contained, the Texas Forest Service is urging residents who live in the area affected by the 34,000-plus-acre wildfire to clear recently fallen pine needles and other debris from around their property, the Texas Forest Service reports.
The Bastrop County Complex fire, which began on Sept. 4 destroyed more than 1,500 homes. Officials believe that dead pine trees that were blown into electric utility lines by 30 mph winds caused the sparks that started the fire in more than one location.
When pine trees are scorched, the needles turn brown and fall off, leaving a pile of debris ripe for wildfire. Officials monitoring the Bastrop fire say because hot spots still exist, there is potential for the fuels to reignite. Residents should clear a three-foot zone around their homes and keep driveways clear.
‘Once a fire leaves an area, dead or dying vegetation may drop leaves and needles,’ said Bruce Woods, Texas Forest Service’s Prevention and Mitigation Department head. ‘This new ground cover is actually fresh fuel which may burn. Needles are dropping in recent fire locations.’
Fire officials also are urging the public to exercise caution when doing anything outdoors that can cause a spark.
Topics Texas Wildfire Homeowners
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