Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution over holiday weekend

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 516 wildfires that burned more than 166,000 acres over Labor Day weekend in 2011.

Although drought conditions have improved considerably since then, there are some areas that have not received recent rainfall and a large part of the state remains in some level of drought, according to The U.S. Drought Monitor. Texas A&M Forest Service officials urge residents to use caution as they celebrate the holiday this weekend.

Be careful doing anything outdoors that could cause a spark, and keep the following tips in mind:

• Check with your county judge for current burn bans.
• Be aware when grilling on wooden decks or in dry grass.
• Keep water handy in case of fire.
• When transporting portable pits, be sure the fire is extinguished.
• Crush smoking materials flat.
• Remember your vehicle’s exhaust system can ignite a fire when driving or stopped on dry grass.
• Report all fires immediately to 911.