Since the beginning of 2024, Texas has faced a wildfire crisis, with many areas of the state engulfed in flames. The Texas wildfires have led to the destruction of homes, wildfire habitats, and agricultural lands at an alarming rate. Thousands of Texas are forced to evacuate their homes and find a safe place in response to the Smokehouse Creek fire. Similarly, the East Amarillo Complex wildfire impacted the Texas Panhandle across South Plains and Hutchinson County.
Residents in wildfire-prone areas need to be prepared if the officials ask them to evacuate or if unexpected power outages are caused by damaged power lines. For instance, you should have an adequate supply of food, water, and medication to survive. You'll also need a portable solar-powered generator like Jackery Solar Generator to charge most of your important gadgets during power cuts or outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- Climate change is the reason behind the massive breakouts of wildfires in Texas.
- The Texas fire season runs year-long but is more severe in winter from February to April and summer from August to October.
- Common risks associated with wildfires include drought, weather, fuel, and human activity.
- To prevent wildfires, it is essential to take precautions when cleaning debris, follow campfire safety tips, and check the weather alerts.
Texas Wildfire Facts
The Texas Tribune and many other news sources reported that two of the Texas residents have died in the 2024 wildfires, including an 83-year-old woman. Witnessing the increasingly dangerous wildfires, Governor Greg Abbott directed TDEM (Texas Division of Emergency Management) to deploy additional state emergency resources to support wildfire response operations. One of the fires, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, has affected nearly 1.1 million acres and is considered to have the largest impact on Texas in modern times.
When is the Texas Fire Season?
Wildfire risk is more severe in the winter from February to April, but climate change has extended the fire season in Texas. For instance, the winter fire season is known as the dormant fire season. It is caused by cold fronts bringing dry air to Texas, while the high winds and freeze-cured grasses increase wildfire intensity. On the other hand, the summer wildfire season is caused by high heat and prolonged drought conditions.
Risk Factors for Wildfires in Texas
According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, many risk factors for wildfires in Texas include drought, weather, fuel, and human activity. Let's explain them briefly:
Drought: Wind, surface dryness, and low humidity can cause wildfire risks in Texas. High winds often spread the fire faster and wider and can also contribute to dry air and fuel deficiency.
Human Activity: Burning debris on windy days or using equipment that could lead to sparking are some common human activities that can cause wildfires. Wetting the surrounding area before welding and keeping fire extinguishers handy is essential.
Fuel: Prolonged droughts contribute to limiting the amount of grass or vegetation that grows and reducing the fuel load (which is the amount of debris that is available to burn). When wet weather follows the drought season, the fuel load and risk of wildfires increase.
Weather can also increase the risk of extreme wildfires that usually grow quickly and become out of control.
Levels of Texas Wildfires
The Texas Fire Danger Map is a real-time mapping project that displays current and forecast fire danger levels across Texas. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, different fire danger levels are denoted by different colors. Let's explain them briefly below:
Low (Green): The low danger level means fuels will not ignite easily from small embers, but a more intense heat source like lightning might start a fire in dry, rotten wood.
Moderate (Blue): The moderate danger level means fire can start from accidental causes, but the total number of fires will be low. While most wood fires will spread moderately and slowly, a fire that begins in an open, dry grassland will burn and spread quickly on windy days.
High (Yellow): High danger levels indicate that fires can easily start from most causes. Small fuels such as needles and grasses will ignite readily. Fires can spread quickly and can become serious and very difficult to control unless they are put out when they are small.
Very High (Orange): When the fire danger level reaches very high, most causes can easily start the fire. It will spread quickly and increase in intensity right after ignition. Additionally, small fires can become large and exhibit extreme intensity as they move.
Extreme (Red): All types of fires start quickly and burn with high intensity in extreme and red danger levels. They spread very quickly, often last for days, and may become very dangerous.
Recent Texas Wildfires
On February 26, 2024, Texas experienced one of the largest fires, named the Smokehouse Creek Fire. It ignited in Hutchinson County and burned over 1 million acres under dry, warm, and windy conditions. The 2011 Texas fire season was counted among the most devastating in terms of acres burned, damage done, and number of fires. It destroyed nearly 3000 homes and 4 million acres across the different parts of the state. Here's a list of recent wildfires in Texas:
|
Texas Wildfire |
Details |
|
Smokehouse Creek Fire (2024) |
Start Date: 02/26/2024 Location: Hutchinson County Acres Burned: 1,078,086 Cause: Under Investigation |
|
Bent Willow Fire (2023) |
Start Date: 4/4/2023 Location: Potter County Acres Burned: 8,118 Cause: Unknown |
|
Loma Desert Fire (2023) |
Start Date: 4/4/2023 Location: Hudspeth County Acres Burned: 1,946 Cause: Unknown |
|
Eastland Complex Fire (2022) |
Start Date: 3/15/2022 Location: Eastland and Brown Counties Acres Burned: 54,513 Cause: Under investigation |
|
Borrega Fire (2022) |
Start Date: 3/30/2022 Location: Kleberg County Acres Burned: 51,566 Cause: Unknown |
|
Texas Copper Breaks Fire (2019) |
Start Date: 8/16/2019 Location: Hardeman County Acres Burned: 7,206 Cause: Unknown |
|
Mallard Fire (2018) |
Start Date: 3/8/2018 Location: Armstrong County Acres Burned: 75,530 Cause: Unknown |
|
Perryton Fire (2017) |
Start Date: 3/6/2017 Location: Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Hemphill Counties Acres Burned: 318,156 Cause: Human (downed power lines or sparks from a transformer) |
|
Lefors East Fire (2017) |
Start Date: 3/6/2017 Location: Gray and Wheeler Counties Acres Burned: 135,000 Cause: Unknown |
|
Crutch Fire (2016) |
Start Date: 3/23/2016 Location: Carson, Hutchinson, Roberts, and Gray Counties Acres Burned: 44,686 Cause: Human (downed power lines) |
|
Hidden Pines Fire (2015) |
Start Date: 10/13/2015 Location: Bastrop County Acres Burned: 4,582 Cause: Human (ranch equipment) |
Texas Wildfire Contacts & Resources
Over 8 million Texans, or 32% of the state's population, live in a wildland-urban interface (WUI). According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, over 90% of wildfires are caused by human activities. Reporting a wildfire in Texas is important so quick action can be taken to reduce the damage.
If you want to prepare for the wildfires happening in Texas, it's essential to understand the various resources and tools available.
Texas Wildfire Map Tools & Resources
If you've been active on social media, you would have surely come across videos indicating different parts of Texas covered in flames and choking smoke. One of the best ways to stay safe is to track the latest information and statuses of the Texas wildfires using different map tools and resources.
FIRMS: The Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) provides an informative map that uses data from the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and NASA. The Texas wildfire map allows you to view wildfires that have not yet been declared contained, put out, or controlled. You can also toggle the FIRMS toggle to show the active fires based on their size.
Link: NASA | LANCE | FIRMS US/Canada
AIRNOW: The US Forest Service (USFS), led by the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program in collaboration with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. It reveals the locations of fire and smoke plumes and the current particle pollution air quality information for your area.
Link: Fire and Smoke Map
Texas A&M Forest Service: The Texas A&M Forest Service's social media account is another good resource for tracking the status of the fires. The account typically posts updates about where the fires are and how contained they are.
Link: Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) / X
Emergency Alerts and Updates
There are many official websites that offer real-time emergency alerts and updates about wildfires in Texas.
FEMA: If you want to get real-time emergency alerts from the National Weather Service, you can consider downloading the FEMA mobile app.
Local Alerts: You can also sign up for community alerts in your residential area, which generally include guidance on preparing for evacuation and avoiding smoke inhalation caused by fires. In some cases, officials also alert the residents via Wireless Emergency Alert and Emergency Alert System, which does not require any sign-up.
Texas A&M Forest Service: The official website of the Texas A&M Forest Service provides the latest information on wildfire status. It gives information about active and contained wildfires and areas that are at high risk due to weather. It also lists the areas subject to burn bans and safety tips to protect the community, ranch, wildlands, and home. The wildfire information is also available on the company's Facebook page.
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): The Texas agency has a dedicated disaster portal and Facebook page where you can easily get the latest information about wildfires. If the wildfires have caused any residential, commercial, or agricultural property loss, you can report it directly using the online tool.
NOAA Weather Radio: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio stations offer information regarding your area's current and upcoming weather updates.
Weather Forecasts: The US National Weather Service's official website also offers weather forecast updates. To receive the information, you'll need to visit the website and enter your ZIP code or your city and state.
Local News Outlets: One of the simplest ways to receive the latest information about wildfires is to check your television and radio stations constantly.
Road Conditions and Transportation Updates
If you're driving in an area filled with smoke, make sure to close the windows and air vents to prevent direct exposure. Additionally, keep an eye on the map provided by the TxDOT's website (DriveTexas.org) to get accurate details about the current highway conditions and closures. If you cannot access the website, check conditions by calling TxDOT at 1800 452 9292. You can also check the incident viewer of the Texas A&M Forest Service to check locations of active wildfires.
Report a Power Outage
Wildfires often damage the electrical grid and power lines. If a power outage has occurred in your area due to wildfires, you can report outages to the utility company. The Public Utility Commission of Texas provides a map indicating the electrical outages in different areas and advises people on how to navigate a long-term power outage.
Wildfire Safety Tips & Resources
There are many websites that offer assistance, resources, and tips related to wildfire safety.
Ready.gov Wildfires: The US Department of Homeland Security offers helpful advice regarding preparing for wildfire, staying safe during such disasters, and safely returning home.
TexasReady.gov: The Texas Health and Human Services Agency provides guidance and tips for preparing for Texas wildfires. It also offers resources for creating a survival kit of essential supplies and an evacuation plan.
Texas General Land Office: Here, you can get guidance and tips to prepare and protect ranches and property from wildfires. Similar to TexasReady.gov, the TGLO also offers evacuation information.
Center for Food Security & Public Health: This site has all the information regarding livestock protection.
Financial Assistance
Residents, business owners, and farmers can receive government financial assistance during disasters such as wildfires.
US Small Business Administration: Texas residents and business owners impacted by the wildfire may apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the US SBA. Private non-profit organizations and businesses may receive a loan of up to $2 million to fix damages caused by the wildfires. They can also borrow additional amounts for property improvement and reduce future damage.
On the other hand, the residents of Texas are eligible to receive up to $5,00,000 in disaster loans to fix or replace their homes. Additionally, they can receive up to $1,00,000 if their personal property, such as vehicles, is damaged. For additional information or to apply online, visit SBA.gov for disaster assistance.
Texas Farm Bureau: Ranchers and farmers with unreimbursed losses due to wildfire can get financial assistance through the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund.
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Wildfire survivors can apply to the FEMA disaster assistance program in several ways, including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices.
Food and Housing Assistance After a Disaster
Getting food or shelter can be harder during a disaster such as a wildfire. Even if you have food and water at home, prolonged power outages can ruin the food that needs to be kept cold. Thankfully, there are resources available to help Texas residents get food and housing assistance after a disaster.
211 Texas: If you are looking for assistance related to non-emergency and disaster-related needs such as food or shelter, you may visit the official website of 211 Texas.
Housing Help: The non-profit American Red Cross provides free shelter to Texas residents affected by the wildfires. You can visit the website to find open shelters or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you want disaster-related assistance related to food and shelter, you can check the Salvation Army website.
Texas Food Banks: The Texas Department of Agriculture offers a list of food banks that can help people find food-related assistance during wildfires. Alternatively, you can also visit the Feeding America website and enter the ZIP code to find food nearby.
National Hunger Hotline: The US Department of Agriculture's National Hunger Hotline helps low-income individuals provide access to meal sites and food banks. You can send a text to 914-342-7744 or call the hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (486479).
Mental Health Resources
Mental health is a concern for people dealing with the after-effects of the wildfire. People who need mental health assistance can check out the available resources and tools.
Disaster Distress Helpline: If you need mental health assistance, call or text the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 800 985 5990. It is available 24/7 to US residents experiencing emotional distress due to wildfires.
988 Suicide & Crises Lifeline: Anyone can call or text at 988 to connect with free and confidential support.
How to Prevent Texas Wildfires
The National Interagency Fire Center reveals that 87% of all wildfires occur due to human activities, and most of these wildfires can be easily prevented. Following some simple steps can help you prevent Texas wildfires from affecting property, natural resources, and lives. If you're wondering how to avoid Texas wildfires, here are some simple ways:
Pay Attention to Debris Burning
Sometimes, burning agricultural waste, leaves, trash, or other materials on a windy day can cause wildfires. If you want to burn debris on your private property, you need to make sure you've water nearby, like a garden hose. Once all the trash is burned, mop up the ashes with water and stir. If it's a windy day, you should avoid burning debris.
Campfire Safety Tips
Many people love camping in the woods and enjoying the warmth of a campfire. However, the US Department of the Interior recommends you build and extinguish the campfire properly. For example, you should select a flat, open location with no flammable materials, such as decaying leaves, logs, and needles.
If grass, leaves, or needles exist, you'll need to scrape them away to the mineral soil. Some other campfire safety tips from the US Department of the Interior include staying with your fire, cutting wood in short lengths, piling it in a clear area, and extinguishing the campfire entirely before leaving.
Equipment Maintenance
Wildfires can wreak havoc on communities. These fires can burn thousands of acres of land, which can be devastating for farmers or ranchers. One way to prevent wildfires is to maintain the equipment:
Fire Extinguisher: You should carry a bucket, shovel, and fire extinguishers in your vehicle to put out fires anytime. You may need to inspect your fire extinguisher occasionally and make sure it is easily accessible for all. If it has any dents or cracks, it should be replaced immediately.
Agriculture Equipment: All the spark arrestors and mufflers should be kept in proper working order. You should watch for rocks and metal when mowing or bush-hogging. Additionally, you should monitor hay baling operations closely because dry hay can ignite within the baler.
Welding Precautions: Welding can cause sparks, which can eventually lead to wildfires. It's advised to remove vegetation from the work area and use a sprayer to wet down the area before any welding operations. Keep the water handy and have someone who would spot any fires.
Knowing Alerts and Warnings
When there is a wildfire, states often issue alerts and warnings to help residents prepare for the situation. You should consider watching local news channels to know the latest warnings issued by the state. If there are power outages in your area, you can check the official websites of Texas A&M Forest Service to learn the latest updates about the wildfires and their impact.
Home Prevention Tips
If you want to protect your home from wildfires, it is essential to follow some simple tips.
Landscape Tips
Clear the Perimeter: To prevent wildfires, homeowners living in fire-prone areas should create a defensible space within a 5-foot radius around their homes. This space should not contain combustible elements, such as landscaping plants.
Use Fire-Safe Plants: While there are no fire-resistant plants, it's recommended to incorporate only a few landscapes and group them in islands with proper gaps. You should choose plants with high leaf moisture content, such as salvia, monkey flowers, rhododendrons, and succulents.
Home Structure Tips
Get a Fire-Resistant Roof: Some fire-resistant roofs are made with concrete or clay tile. Fiberglass asphalt composition shingles and metal are also fire-resistant. Regardless of the roof type, you need to check for spaces between the roof and eaves where birds or rodents might have squirreled away debris that can easily ignite.
Replace Siding: Many new houses are now built with cement-based products such as fiber cement or non-combustible materials like stucco that do not ignite or burn. If your home has combustible siding such as vinyl or cedar, you'll at least need a 6-inch portion from the ground.
Invest in Tempered Glass Windows: Extreme heat caused by wildfires can break glass windows, so it's better to invest in tempered glass windows that have been heat treated.
Insurance Tips
Check Insurance Policy: A standard homeowner's policy should cover home damage and wildfire destruction. It should also cover the belongings and even reimburse you for living expenses when you're displayed. If there's any vehicle damage caused by wildfires, you'll need to check your auto insurance.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Wildfires are becoming more common, so everyone across the country is preparing an emergency kit to handle such situations. A go bag is essential for disaster preparedness and should include emergency essentials as follows:
Food and Water: The emergency kit should include lightweight, nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts and seeds, instant oatmeal, protein bars, and at least one gallon of water per person for one day. You should pack food and water for at least three days.
Personal Essentials: Next, you should pack a change of clothing, an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, an emergency blanket, scissors, work gloves, towels and matches, etc. Remember to pack a first-aid kit and travel-size toiletries.
Meditations: If you've decided to evacuate, pack a list of medications along with the pharmacy's phone numbers. You will also need specialized medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, oxygen tanks, and syringes.
Electronics: Whenever there is an emergency situation such as a wildfire, you need to pack an extra phone charger, batteries, a flashlight, and AM/FM radios. You will also need a reliable power supply source such as Jackery Solar Generators. These reliable and robust solar-powered generators can charge 99% of your emergency essentials, such as phones, TVs, laptops, fans, lamps, etc.
Paperwork: Before evacuating, make photocopies of essential documents such as passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, insurance paperwork, credit and debit card information, and title or lease documents.
Cash: If there's a power grid failure or power outages due to wildfires, you might not be able to use debit or credit cards to make any purchase. So, it's essential to add cash to your go bag. A couple hundred dollars can cover food, gas, or last-minute essentials for a two-member household.
Evacuation and Emergency Plan
When the situation worsens, the state officials issue evacuation and ask the residents to leave their homes. If such a situation occurs, you should consider preparing an emergency plan. For example, find a place at a safe place and pack all the essential items before you leave. However, preparing an evacuation and emergency plan is not enough. You should practice the plan to ensure you're clear when executing it.
Jackery Solar Generators for Emergencies
When an emergency occurs, it often leads to power outages and blackouts. Solar generators are ideal for those who wish to keep the lights on when the power runs out or want to charge TVs to receive the latest updates regarding the situation. Jackery is a renowned solar brand that manufactures solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels.
The Jackery Solar Generators combine an efficient Jackery Portable Power Station and a set of foldable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. The solar panels can be placed under direct sunlight to convert the sun's energy into DC. The pure sine wave inverter then converts DC to AC electricity and charges appliances whenever an emergency impacts the power grids.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large-size solar-powered generator that can charge 99% of your emergency appliances for hours. This solar generator would be a great choice whether you want to keep the refrigerator charged to prevent food from spoiling during a long power outage or charge the freezer and smartphones when evacuating to a safer place. It features double wheels, a foldable handle, and an ergonomic design to make easy movement from one place to another and charge appliances.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 6.4H
- Fan (50W) = 51.4H
- Smartphone (40W) = 64.2H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 64.2H
- TV (150W) = 17.1H
Customer Review
"This generator is a game changer. The battery lasts for hours. Solar panels work great and can be used anywhere." — Kenny Barrett.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you're unsure what size generator would be ideal for your power needs, the expandable Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus would be an ideal solution. The solar-powered generator can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, ovens, fans, CPAP machines, oxygen-concentrating units, etc. You can expand the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh to ensure comfortable off-the-grid living.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 4.3H
- Fan (50W) = 34.7H
- Smartphone (40W) = 43.4H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 43.4H
- TV (150W) = 11.5H
Customer Review
"I read a lot of reviews, and we decided that the 2000Plus series was the best package for our situation. Set up on a partly sunny day to test and performed very well. Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergency situations, I believe it will do the job." — Julie Botsko.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a reliable solar-powered generator that can charge 99% of indoor or outdoor appliances during a power outage or blackout. It's also portable enough to be carried to various outdoor locations when evacuating to a safer location. With the support of three Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus, the battery capacity can be easily expanded from 1.2kWh to 5kWh.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 2.6H
- Fan (50W) = 21.4H
- Smartphone (40W) = 26.8H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 26.8H
- TV (150W) = 7.1H
Customer Review
"Jackery was easy to set up and put into operation. Runs the basics I need, i.e., accessories charging, light & fan with power to spare. Love it!" — Robert LaQuerre.
How to Stay Safe During A Texas Wildfire
Wildfires are unplanned fires that can quickly spread and burn forests or grasslands. These dangerous fires can also impact communities and leave people trapped in homes. For this reason, it is essential to understand how to stay safe during a wildfire and what steps to follow.
When You Are At Home: Safety Tips
There's no doubt that wildfires can be destructive for your property. If you live in a wildfire-prone state like Texas, you must follow some precautionary steps to keep yourself safe during wildfires.
- Listen to the local alert systems, EAS, and NOAA Weather Radio to get the latest updates about the wildfires.
- Wear N95 respirator masks to reduce the damage caused by wildfire smoke.
- Move to a safe room or location where flames and smoke cannot reach.
- Keep the outdoor furniture, potted plants, wooden basins, door mats, etc., inside or far away from your house.
- Do not rush to put out the fire. Doing so can cause severe injury or burns, and there is a legal risk.
- Prepare an emergency kit with the essential items and put them in your vehicle.
- Connect water hoses and store water in tubs, pools, garbage cans, etc., to help firefighters when they end up on your property.
- Keep the vents, doors, and windows closed to prevent embers from entering.
- If you're trapped, call 911 for help.
When Sheltering in Place: Tips
There are many times when evacuation is dangerous, and officials recommend staying home. If you plan to stay at home, you must follow some tips to make your house safe for sheltering.
- Turn off the natural gas or propane supply to the house.
- Close the room doors and windows.
- Turn off appliances like air coolers or fans that circulate the air throughout the house.
- Use a sprinkler to wet the yard and roof.
- Move all the fabric-covered furniture, such as the sofa, away from the doors and windows.
- Avoid the perimeter walls of the house and choose the hallway or the farthest one from the fire.
If you think your home isn't safe from the wildfire, you may consider talking with your neighbors and leaving for a safer place.
When Driving in a Wildfire: Tips
Often, people find evacuation easier in a vehicle. If you plan to drive in a wildfire, make sure to turn on headlights and hazard lights. This will help you see the road clearly and follow a safer path. Here are some other driving tips to follow:
- Drive as slowly as possible and remain calm.
- Close or block air vents and roll up windows to avoid coming in contact with the smoke.
- Use recirculated air from the car AC.
- Cover your face and skin with a dry cloth.
On Foot in a Wildfire: Tips
When evacuating to a safe location on foot during a wildfire, you should start by finding a space with no flammable materials or vegetation. Move as low as possible, like a ditch, and lie with your face down. If possible, cover your body with mud, dirt, or water. You can also use non-flammable materials such as a wool blanket to cover your body. Remember, the biggest risk during a wildfire is the smoke, not the flames. Therefore, it's advised to have a clean air supply and a cloth around your mouth.
Pet & Livestock: Safety Tips
If you have barns or any other structure for the animals, take steps such as clearing the area from combustible materials and debris.
- You should prepare evacuation plans for animals and take them to safe places, such as equestrian centers, fairgrounds, stockyards, or friend's property.
- If you don't have any other choice but to leave the livestock at home, consider designating a cleared area and leaving sufficient food and water.
- Always prepare a disaster kit for livestock, including food and water for at least three days, a shovel, knife, wire cutters, hoof pick, leg wraps, water buckets, flashlights, and first aid items.
Most of the preparedness steps for cats and dogs are the same. When transporting pets to a safe location, always use a cover or light sheet over the carrier so they aren't afraid. If you can't carry them where you go, consider putting them in utility rooms, garages, or bathrooms. They have enough ventilation and no windows, making them much safer.
What To Do After A Texas Wildfire
The dangers of wildfires do not end once the fire is extinguished. Wildfires have many after-effects, such as flash flooding, debris flow, structural instability, etc. When authorities say that it is safe to return home, here are a few tips you'll need to keep in mind:
Listen to the Officials
You should not return home until and unless the officials say it's absolutely safe to do so. In addition, you need to ensure you follow the safe routes and guidelines the officials provide.
Return Home Safety Tips
Once the officials have declared that the home area is safe for return, you'll need to follow some simple tips from the Department of Environmental Health and Quality as follows:
Make a Returning Home Checklist: Before you drive home, gather the essential supplies, such as work gloves, garbage bags, goggles, flashlights, bottled water, sturdy shoes, and a first aid kit.
Personal Protection: When cleaning the property, you might be exposed to potential health risks from ash, debris, and hazardous materials. Therefore, wear protective glasses and protective gear to clean the area. Additionally, avoid getting overheated while working and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hazardous Materials: To protect human health, household cleaning products, contaminated fuel, gasoline, batteries, paint, and damaged fuel containers should be handled properly. You must also handle these materials separately, as they cannot go into a landfill.
Propane or Heating Oil Tanks: If you own a propane tank, call the propane supplier and turn off the valves until the expert arrives. On the other hand, if you have a heating oil tank system, contact the experts for inspection before using it. This is because heat might have caused the tank to bulge or wrap.
Here are some other home safety tips to keep in mind:
- When cleaning, wet all the debris and wear a safety mask to prevent getting contaminants in your airway.
- Open all the windows and doors to help the air move out.
- Tap water can get contaminated, so avoid drinking it until authorities say it is safe.
- If you've any foods, drinks, or medications that came in contact with the fire, throw them out.
Remember, there are many safety precautions to follow before you begin cleaning the property. You could potentially be exposed to hazardous materials that can negatively impact your health. Therefore, wearing long sleeves, safety goggles, and boots is essential to begin cleaning the debris. You can follow the American Red Cross guidelines to clean safely after a wildfire.
Returning to the Fire Zone Tips
Residents returning to fire-damaged homes need to take necessary precautions. Here are some tips from the Department of Environmental Health and Quality to follow when returning to fire zone areas:
- Hazards might exist after wildfires, such as hot spots that can flare up without warning. You need to use caution when re-entering the areas exposed to wildfire.
- Keep a safe distance if damaged power lines or poles are in your way.
- Stay away from burned trees and power poles, as they might fall due to fire damage.
- Stumps and burned trees create ash pits (or holes full of hot ashes). Coming in contact with the ash pits or landing your hand and feet on them can lead to severe burns. For this reason, warn your family and neighbors to keep a safe distance from these pits.
Mental Health Tips
After a wildfire, people might deal with fear, sadness, and guilt. They might also find it hard to sleep and cope with traumatic events. Here are some of the mental health tips by TexasReady.gov you need to keep in mind after a wildfire:
- Since memory loss can be common, it's better to note down your thoughts as they come to preserve memory of things you would do.
- If you are cleaning after the wildfire, make sure to take proper breaks and avoid physically overexerting yourself. You need to get rest, accept help from others, and drink plenty of water.
- Share your feelings and experiences with your family, friends, or someone else you trust.
- Do not drink alcohol to deal with disaster-related stress.
Texas Wildfires FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
The actual size of the solar generator you need for an emergency will directly depend on the wattage of the appliances you're charging simultaneously and for how long you would like to use them. Let's say there's a power outage in your area due to wildfires, and you want to charge lights (10W) and refrigerators (400W) simultaneously with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. You can use the formula below to calculate the solar generator's running time.
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2042.8Wh × 0.85 ÷ 410W = 4.2H
Note: The 0.85 acts as a power conversion factor, indicating the power loss that occurs when appliances are charged.
What started wildfires in Texas in 2024?
According to the Texas Tribune, a decayed utility pole broke, and power wires fell on the dry grass in the Texas Panhandle. This sparked the largest wildfire in Texas's history, which damaged over 1 million acres of land.
How many cattle died in the Texas wildfire?
Nearly 7,000 cattle died in the Texas wildfire that happened in 2024. However, the final number related to wildfires could reach 10,000.
How many people died in the Texas wildfire in 2024?
The largest-ever wildfire in Texas killed at least 2 people in 2024, which was ignited by the power company facilities.
Where is the big fire in Texas?
On February 26, 2024, the largest Smokehouse Creek Fire ignited in Hutchinson County and burned over 1 million of land.
Final Thoughts
Wildfires are a rising concern in Texas as they grow in impact and intensity. Residents in fire-prone areas need to stay vigilant throughout the year to protect themselves from the fires. If wildfires are happening around the region and the officials have asked to evacuate, you'll need to prepare an emergency kit and leave for a safe place.
When preparing the essential backpack for the Texas wildfire evacuation plan, carry food, water, medicines, critical electrical gadgets, and a portable power supply like Jackery Solar Generators. These quiet, portable, and eco-friendly charging solutions can power gadgets for a long time, especially during power outages or outdoor living.
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