Midland County Residents Asking Residents To Be Vigilant During Wildfire Season
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: February 22, 2013
MIDLAND -- Wildfire season is right around the corner and officials in Midland County are asking residents to be prepared.
The City of Midland Fire Marshal's office, Midland County Fire Marshal's office and the Midland County Office of Emergency Management are asking area residents to be aware and monitor all severe fire weather advisories for the City of Midland and Midland County.
February typically marks the beginning of West Texas's wildfire season, and the Midland Fire Marshal's Office is asking residents to do what they can to avoid sparking blazes, or getting caught in them.
Officials are asking people to avoid grilling, hot work and other activities during days with a Red Flag Warning.
Everyone should be sure extinguish all smoking materials in the right places as well.
If smoking materials are disposed of improperly, they can cause a serious fire hazard.
Such actions are also a violations of the fire code -- which could lead to a fine of up to $2,000.
Drivers should also avoid driving through smoke on roads and highways.
People should be aware of rapidly spreading wildfire.
Residents should also report any fires they come across.
The following is a press release from the City of Midland:
The City of Midland Fire Marshal's office, Midland County Fire Marshal's office and the Midland County Office of Emergency Management are asking area residents to be aware and monitor all severe fire weather advisories for the City of Midland and Midland County.
Typically the month of February is the beginning of wildfire season in West Texas. The National Weather Service has recently issued several severe fire weather warnings, or Red Flag Days, for our area.
Citizens are asked to be vigilant for rapidly spreading wildfires. Monitoring local radio and TV stations for emergency warnings or information is recommended. Report any fire immediately with accurate information, including address or estimated location of the fire or smoke and whether structures are threatened or involved.
During Red Flag Days, postpone all outdoor activities, which involve hot work or grilling, as these activities will have the potential to create dangerous wind-driven fires. Extinguish all smoking materials thoroughly prior to discarding. Discarding lit smoking material from a vehicle or failing to properly extinguish and dispose of smoking material is a violation of local fire codes. Fines for any fire code violation can be up to $2,000.
Drivers are asked to be watchful for emergency vehicle operations and avoid driving through smoke while crossing a road or highway. High winds will create hazardous driving conditions for high profile vehicles.
Property owners are urged to maintain yards and decorative vegetation according to minimum standards established by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Home safety and fire prevention information can be obtained at the Midland Fire Department's website at www.midlandtexas.gov.
The City of Midland Fire Marshal's office, Midland County Fire Marshal's office and the Midland County Office of Emergency Management are asking area residents to be aware and monitor all severe fire weather advisories for the City of Midland and Midland County.
February typically marks the beginning of West Texas's wildfire season, and the Midland Fire Marshal's Office is asking residents to do what they can to avoid sparking blazes, or getting caught in them.
Officials are asking people to avoid grilling, hot work and other activities during days with a Red Flag Warning.
Everyone should be sure extinguish all smoking materials in the right places as well.
If smoking materials are disposed of improperly, they can cause a serious fire hazard.
Such actions are also a violations of the fire code -- which could lead to a fine of up to $2,000.
Drivers should also avoid driving through smoke on roads and highways.
People should be aware of rapidly spreading wildfire.
Residents should also report any fires they come across.
The following is a press release from the City of Midland:
The City of Midland Fire Marshal's office, Midland County Fire Marshal's office and the Midland County Office of Emergency Management are asking area residents to be aware and monitor all severe fire weather advisories for the City of Midland and Midland County.
Typically the month of February is the beginning of wildfire season in West Texas. The National Weather Service has recently issued several severe fire weather warnings, or Red Flag Days, for our area.
Citizens are asked to be vigilant for rapidly spreading wildfires. Monitoring local radio and TV stations for emergency warnings or information is recommended. Report any fire immediately with accurate information, including address or estimated location of the fire or smoke and whether structures are threatened or involved.
During Red Flag Days, postpone all outdoor activities, which involve hot work or grilling, as these activities will have the potential to create dangerous wind-driven fires. Extinguish all smoking materials thoroughly prior to discarding. Discarding lit smoking material from a vehicle or failing to properly extinguish and dispose of smoking material is a violation of local fire codes. Fines for any fire code violation can be up to $2,000.
Drivers are asked to be watchful for emergency vehicle operations and avoid driving through smoke while crossing a road or highway. High winds will create hazardous driving conditions for high profile vehicles.
Property owners are urged to maintain yards and decorative vegetation according to minimum standards established by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Home safety and fire prevention information can be obtained at the Midland Fire Department's website at www.midlandtexas.gov.
