Texas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Texas - May 12, 2026

Overview

Texas is currently experiencing a period of minimal wildfire activity following a volatile early spring fire season. Recent severe weather systems have brought significant moisture to large portions of the state, mitigating immediate fire risks. The current State Preparedness Level is 1, indicating that wildland fire activity is light and local resources are fully capable of managing any new incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, wildfire activity across Texas has remained exceptionally low. The Texas A&M Forest Service has recently reported zero new requests for state assistance on wildfires. Local fire departments are successfully handling any small, isolated grass fires without the need for state or national support.

Key Fires:
There are currently no major active wildfires burning in Texas. Earlier in the year, the state faced historic blazes fueled by dormant, freeze-cured grasses resulting from a January Arctic blast. However, recent spring green-up and widespread rainfall have significantly increased fuel moisture levels, halting the spread of large-scale fires across these fuel types.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
With the reduced threat of uncontained wildfires, land management agencies are taking advantage of the favorable weather to mitigate future risks. The Texas A&M Forest Service scheduled a prescribed burn at W.G. Jones State Forest in Montgomery County on May 11, 2026. This operation is designed to restore native habitats, reduce excessive undergrowth, and support hands-on training for the Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy.

Additionally, local burn bans are shifting based on recent rainfall. Medina County officially lifted its countywide burn ban on May 4. Conversely, several other counties, including Fannin and Randall Counties, still have active burn bans in place due to localized dry conditions. Residents must verify local county restrictions before conducting any outdoor burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Over the past 72 hours, parts of north, central, and coastal Texas experienced severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and large hail. This precipitation has provided critical moisture to surface fuels, drastically lowering the immediate fire danger across the region.

Forecasted Weather: A warming trend is expected to begin this week, with rain chances returning Wednesday through Saturday. The Climate Prediction Center's May 2026 outlook indicates a 33–50% chance for above-normal rainfall across most of Texas. While no Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect, residents should remain aware that gusty winds accompanying incoming thunderstorms could temporarily dry out lighter surface fuels.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Even with recent rains, residents are advised to remain cautious. Debris burning remains a leading cause of wildfires in Texas. If you plan to burn debris, ensure you are not under a county burn ban, keep a water source nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.

Resource Allocation: With the state at Preparedness Level 1, firefighting resources are well-rested and strategically positioned. Furthermore, local response capabilities are being significantly bolstered; the state recently approved over $164 million in historic funding to award new fire trucks and slip-on units to rural volunteer fire departments across Texas, ensuring they are prepared for the hotter summer months.

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 Incident Viewer: public.tfswildfires.com
Texas Wildfire Risk Explorer: texaswildfirerisk.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.