Texas Fires

Crews respond to East Texas wildfires amid persistent dry conditions

Texas remains at Wildfire Preparedness Level 1 statewide, with fire activity primarily concentrated in dry fuels across East Texas. While initial attack resources have swiftly halted several new starts, crews continue suppression operations on fires actively flanking in brush and timber near structures. Worsening drought conditions continue to keep grasses and timber litter receptive to ignition, though no red flag warnings are in place.

Key Fires

• Kickapoo Creek Fire — Burning in Trinity County, the fire has been actively flanking through timber and brush, threatening nearby structures. Ground crews continue suppression operations to protect homes and establish containment lines.
• Rusk 9689 Fire — Located in Rusk County, the fire continues to smolder in dry brush as ground forces work to establish containment lines. Firefighters remain on scene conducting active suppression and mop-up operations.
• Nacogdoches 9693 Fire — Initial attack responders stopped the forward progress of this recent start in Nacogdoches County shortly after it ignited. Personnel are actively working to reinforce perimeter lines and extinguish remaining interior heat.
• Newman Fire — Igniting in Taylor County, the fire was stopped quickly and is now fully contained following rapid initial attack and mop-up efforts. Fire suppression personnel secured containment perimeters with no structural losses reported.
• Anderson 9674 Fire — Suppression crews stopped fire spread in Anderson County, and the incident is now fully contained. Firefighters completed mop-up operations along the perimeter to secure containment lines.

Conditions and Outlook

No red flag warnings or fire weather watches are currently in effect across Texas. Significant fire potential remains low to moderate in East Texas due to expanding drought, while higher humidity and incoming rain chances keep west-central areas quiet. Over the coming days, warm temperatures, low humidity, and light to moderate southeasterly breezes will persist across eastern fire areas before fire potential decreases statewide.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Countywide burn bans restricting outdoor burning are active in Polk and San Jacinto counties due to elevated fire risk. Residents in affected areas are prohibited from burning trash, brush, and open campfires.

What Residents Should Do

• Adhere strictly to local burn bans and avoid any outdoor burning or open flames.
• Clear dry pine needles, brush, and dead leaves from roofs and around structures to maintain defensible space.
• Check trailer safety chains to ensure they do not drag and spark roadside fires.