Texas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Texas - May 11, 2026

Overview

Texas is currently experiencing a split in fire potential across the state. While recent rainfall and spring green-up have significantly reduced the fire risk in the eastern and southern regions, the High Plains and Caprock areas continue to face elevated fire weather conditions due to dry surface fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds. The Texas Wildfire Preparedness Level is currently at Level 1, indicating that state fire suppression resources are well-positioned, available, and not currently strained by wildland fire activity.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity across Texas has been minimal over the last 72 hours. As of the latest updates, the Texas A&M Forest Service received zero requests for assistance on new wildfires, and there are currently no large, uncontained wildfires burning in the state. Recent precipitation and the greening of herbaceous fuels have kept ignition potential and resistance to control very low across most of the state.

Key Fires:
There are currently no significant active wildfires to report in Texas. Firefighters and state resources are utilizing this period of low fire activity to focus on training, equipment maintenance, and severe weather response.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: To proactively manage fuel loads and reduce future wildfire risks, the Texas A&M Forest Service has announced that applications for the Mechanical Fuel Reduction Grant and Prescribed Fire Grant will open from June 1 through July 14, 2026. These programs are designed to reimburse landowners and communities for reducing hazardous fuels. Additionally, the 27th annual Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy is currently underway through May 14 in Conroe, providing critical wildfire suppression and incident management training to over 300 firefighters from across the state and nation.

Air Quality: With no significant active wildfires in the state, there are currently no major wildfire smoke impacts affecting air quality in Texas. However, residents should remain aware of shifting weather patterns that may bring blowing dust in the Panhandle or storm-related impacts elsewhere.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Elevated fire weather is present today in the High Plains, Caprock, and northwest Rolling Plains. A dryline is producing westerly winds above 20 mph and minimum relative humidity values below 15%, which could lead to moderate resistance to control if a fire ignites in complex terrain heavily loaded with cured grasses.

Forecasted Weather: While the western portions of the state remain dry, a progressive spring weather pattern is bringing severe storms and precipitation chances to large sections of West, North, East, Central, and South-Central Texas.

Significant Events: On May 8, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott amended and renewed a Fire Weather Conditions Disaster Proclamation for dozens of counties in the Texas Panhandle and West Texas due to the persistent threat of critical fire weather. Concurrently, on May 10, Governor Abbott activated state emergency response resources ahead of severe storms and potential flooding expected to impact the state through Monday.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in the High Plains and West Texas are advised to exercise extreme caution to prevent spark ignitions. Please avoid outdoor burning, parking vehicles on dry grass, dragging trailer chains, or tossing cigarettes out of car windows. For residents in areas expecting severe storms, please monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and heed warnings from local emergency management officials.

Resource Allocation: With the state at Preparedness Level 1, wildland firefighting resources are adequate for current needs. Texas A&M Forest Service personnel are currently cross-deployed, utilizing saw crews to assist with clearing roadways and supporting local jurisdictions impacted by the severe spring storms.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Texas A&M Forest Service Current Situation: tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation
Texas Division of Emergency Management: tdem.texas.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.