2,300 acre Sam Houston National Forest wildfire ignited by prescribed burn, officials say
Prescribed burns are regularly conducted by fire specialists in Texas forests in an effort to clear ground-level foliage and maintain healthy landscapes. The burns are a cost-effective way to reduce fuel loading in the event of a large-scale wildfire.
Safety experts remind Houstonians to practice chainsaw safety in Beryl’s aftermath
Tens of thousands of people are hospitalized each year due to accidents with chainsaws. The CDC says the risks increase after a natural disaster.
Largest wildfire in Texas history was ignited by power line, A&M Forest Service says
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned over 1 million acres and is 44% contained.
Gov. Abbott says Texas wildfires may have destroyed up to 500 structures
Texas officials warned that the threat was not yet over. Higher temperatures and stronger winds forecast for Saturday elevated worries that fires in the Panhandle could continue spreading.
After nearly 7,000 wildfires in Texas last year, a wet winter could reduce the risk in 2024
El Niño weather conditions are expected to increase precipitation chances during Texas' dormant wildfire season this year.
Houston Public Media