Hunters reminded to help prevent wildfires

by the Texas A&M Forest Service

Texas’ dove hunting season has begun and the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) is reminding hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution in the field and be mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire. TFS officials recommend these tips:

• Maintain off-road vehicles and avoid parking or idling over dry vegetation.

• If towing a trailer, secure safety chains and ensure they will not come in contact with the road which creates sparks.

• Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions.

The TFS’s website reports since Jan. 1, 2020, state and local resources have responded to 4,239 fires that have burned a total of 215,603 acres.

Aviation resources have flown 2,223 hours, dropping 2,295,490 gallons of water and retardant on Texas wildfires so far this year.