Cooled debris providing fuel for area wildfires

As the threat of wildfires grows, the Texas Forest Service has issued a stern warning to those who insist on outdoor burning during this time - be careful.

"Be very careful when you burn - don't turn your back on it for a minute," said Texas Forest Service's law enforcement investigator David Ziegler. "Make sure you have a good fire break around your fire and check your weather conditions, not only on the day you're* going to burn but the following day as well."

That statement comes on the heels of wind-whipped wildfire that consumed more than 160 acres in Jasper County, including a portion on the Temple-Inland Inc. pine plantations.

Ziegler said that originally it was believed the wildfire was arson-related but now it has been ruled accidental.

The Evadale Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the pasture fire at 11:42 March 6 near Gist Road.

"There was a lot of dry grass, dry fuel on the ground and with the low humidity it only contributed to control problems with the fire," Ziegler said. "The ground was real muddy wet but the vegetation on top was dried out and ready to burn."

Ziegler said the fire department could not do a whole lot in battling this fire due to the muddy grounds.

"There were no structures that were threatened," Ziegler said. "The fire department could not get off the road on that wet ground or they would get stuck. All they could do is stay on the road."

He pointed out that while fighting these types of wildfires, the first priority is to protect lives, then structures.

Recent rains have left a lot of Jasper County residents with a sense of security as they head outside to clean up yards and gardens from winter debris.

"There is a lot of cured fuel on the ground that has been cured by frost," Ziegler said. "We just have some real ideal conditions for wildfires right now."