Texas
‘Extreme fire danger’ in Texas this week: Track potential fires, smoke on this wildfire map
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Straight Arrow News
High winds and dry conditions have significantly heightened the fire risk across Texas, prompting officials to warn of “extreme fire danger” in West Texas, stretching from the Big Bend region through the Permian Basin and north to the South Plains.
The National Weather Service cautions that strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures could create “critical fire weather conditions” in southern New Mexico and far West Texas, increasing the wildfire threat Monday.
As of Monday morning, a red flag warning covered most of West Texas, including Lubbock, Odessa, and San Angelo, extending west to Hudspeth County. Meanwhile, fire risks in Central and North Texas had temporarily eased.
However, elevated fire danger is expected to return Tuesday, with “very high” to “extreme” risk— the highest of five levels — projected across at least 200 of Texas’ 254 counties, according to a map from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The NWS forecasts 25 to 40 mph winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, and humidity dropping as low as 6%. While winds are expected to weaken Tuesday, fire risk still remains high, and strong gusts could return later in the week.
Wildfire map: Track potential fires and smoke in Texas
What is a Fire Weather Watch vs. Red Flag Warning?
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supports extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.
Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings.
The key differences are that:
- A Fire Weather Watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur.
- A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions above are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours.
Texas wildfire risk near you: Search by address
Texas
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Texas
New screwworm portal aims to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and rural economy
AUSTIN – Texas officials are rolling out a new online hub aimed at helping residents spot and report the New World screwworm, a pest Gov. Greg Abbott says threatens livestock, wildlife, and the state’s rural economy.
Abbott announced the launch of screwworm.texas.gov, an enhanced website housed in the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Disaster Portal that he described as a “one-stop shop” for information and resources tied to the state’s response.
The New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy,” Abbott said. “This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians, and families. Screwworm.texas.gov delivers the facts, maps, identification methods, and certification resources Texans need to detect problems early and report cases without delay. Now every Texan has the information to act. Texas will protect our land, our animals, and our way of life from this pest.
According to the governor’s office, the site is designed to provide “actionable and reliable multimedia information” about the New World screwworm, including fact sheets, videos, and educational materials.
The portal includes background information, guidance on how to spot the pest, sample collection procedures, Texas Animal Health Commission New World screwworm zone maps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture case dashboard, links to best practices for livestock and wildlife, and details on registering for a new no-cost New World screwworm Certified Inspector Training.
The governor’s office said state and federal partners are working together to detect, control and contain the spread, and that expanding public outreach and providing clear information is a key part of reducing risk.
Abbott’s office also highlighted actions taken by the governor in response to the pest, including:
- Directing the creation of a joint Texas New World screwworm Response Team
- Joining USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to announce a $750 million investment in a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg
- Issuing a statewide disaster declaration ahead of the first detection
- Deploying state resources and activating the State Emergency Operations Center after the first confirmed Texas cases
- Visiting the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville for a briefing
- Launching a free online training course to certify more inspectors
- Announcing federal funding to strengthen inspection capacity.
Texans are urged to inspect livestock and pets for wounds and report suspected cases immediately, including in wildlife.
For livestock and pets, suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.
For wildlife, reports should be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505. Officials also warn people not to move affected animals.
More information and updates are available at screwworm.texas.gov and screwworm.gov.
Texas
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