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Winds fan wildfire flamesTexas Recent winds fanned the flames of a wildfire in northwestern Callahan County. The blaze burned an estimated 400 acres before being controlled by firefighters. The large fire attests to the potential for damaging wildfires in this area any time that high winds and low humidity occur. With brisk winds, low relative humidity and generally warmer than normal temperatures forecasted for the next 10 days, firefighters remain concerned about the possibility of additional wildfires. Coming after an extended cold spell, fire officials fear that the drier conditions and warmer temperatures are likely to prompt an increase in outdoor activities, which will increase the likelihood of accidental fire starts. With weather conditions moderating considerably from those experienced the past week or two, we expect more people will take the opportunity to do some early spring clean-up, begin outdoor construction projects or simply get out and enjoy the outdoors, says Les Rogers, assistant chief fire coordinator with the Texas Forest Service. Rogers warns that since vegetation is dormant, fine-textured fuels like grasses and weeds can quickly become flammable during dry, windy conditions, as are now occurring across the area. He notes that it doesn't take much of a spark to ignite a grass fire, which can spread very quickly during windy conditions. "Wildfires are not uncommon in the winter in Texas," says Rogers. "One of the most devastating wildfires in the state occurred in February 1996, when 141 structures and 16,000 acres were burned in the Poolville Fire just northwest of Fort Worth. That fire started from unsafe debris burning." The Texas Forest Service offers these tips for fire safety during dry, windy conditions: --Report fires immediately through 911. Wildfires spread rapidly during windy conditions and are very dangerous to extinguish. --When using welding or grinding equipment outdoors, keep a spotter on duty to watch for possible spot fires. Where possible, remove vegetation from the work area; otherwise, wet down the work area before and periodically during work operations. --Remember that hot catalytic converters on vehicles can ignite wildfires, so only park and drive in areas free of dry vegetation. --Extinguish and dispose of all smoking materials in your vehicle ashtray, rather than flicking ashes out the window. --Keep spark arresters and mufflers on agricultural and recreational equipment , including chain saws and all-terrain vehicles, in working order. --Protect your home from wildfire by keeping the yard mowed and removing all trash brush and combustible materials from within a 30-foot radius of the house and outbuildings. For more information, log onto the website of the Texas Forest Service at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu, or of the Texas Interagency Coordination Center at www.tamu.edu/ticc. B 7 2/26/07 5 Star OK Date: 2/22/07
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