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Texas A&M Forest Service Cautions Hunters to High Wildfire Danger
September 17, 2026
With ongoing and worsening drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans and especially hunters, as the season opens in September, to help protect the state’s lands and natural resources by being mindful of activities that could cause a wildfire.
Texas A&M Forest Service has already responded to 1,078 wildfires for 301,528 acres this year. Due to strengthening El Niño conditions, flash drought has started, and in August alone, the agency responded to 313 wildfires for 121,774 acres.
“The rapid onset of a flash drought increased fire occurrence and intensity statewide in August,” said Walter Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service fire analyst. “Under flash drought conditions, grasses, brush and timber fuels lose moisture rapidly and become susceptible to ignition.”
Critically dry fuels are present across much of North, Central and East Texas, where fire potential will be high in early September.
Flocke said extremely dry fuels combined with excessive heat and low humidity can lead to large, fuel-driven fires that are difficult to control. Rain chances in September may come from short-lived thunderstorms, which can also produce gusty outflow winds and dry lightning.
Reduce human-caused fires during hunting season
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused, and everyone can make a difference by taking personal responsibility for their actions. As hunting season begins, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and exercise caution in any activity that could spark a wildfire.
Equipment use, such as vehicles, trailers and ATVs, is the second-most common starter of human-caused wildfires in Texas, behind debris burning. Hunters should be especially cautious when operating equipment around dry vegetation.
“Even a small spark can quickly ignite a wildfire under the right conditions,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Texans are encouraged to stay alert and be aware of hazards that can cause a wildfire while hunting this season.”
Tips to avoid accidental fires
To avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while hunting or camping:
• Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass. Heat from a vehicle can easily ignite dry vegetation.
• Check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each Texas county sets and lifts its own burn bans. Review the latest burn ban map.
• Never leave a cooking fire or campfire unattended. Before leaving, drown the fire with water, stir the ashes and feel for heat to ensure it is completely out and cold.
• Before towing a trailer, make sure tires are properly inflated, safety chains do not contact the road and loose metal cannot create sparks.
• Be prepared to extinguish a fire. Keep a shovel and water at camp, and always carry a fire extinguisher on the ATV.
Texas Forest Service offers more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season.
Texas A&M Forest Service has already responded to 1,078 wildfires for 301,528 acres this year. Due to strengthening El Niño conditions, flash drought has started, and in August alone, the agency responded to 313 wildfires for 121,774 acres.
“The rapid onset of a flash drought increased fire occurrence and intensity statewide in August,” said Walter Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service fire analyst. “Under flash drought conditions, grasses, brush and timber fuels lose moisture rapidly and become susceptible to ignition.”
Critically dry fuels are present across much of North, Central and East Texas, where fire potential will be high in early September.
Flocke said extremely dry fuels combined with excessive heat and low humidity can lead to large, fuel-driven fires that are difficult to control. Rain chances in September may come from short-lived thunderstorms, which can also produce gusty outflow winds and dry lightning.
Reduce human-caused fires during hunting season
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused, and everyone can make a difference by taking personal responsibility for their actions. As hunting season begins, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and exercise caution in any activity that could spark a wildfire.
Equipment use, such as vehicles, trailers and ATVs, is the second-most common starter of human-caused wildfires in Texas, behind debris burning. Hunters should be especially cautious when operating equipment around dry vegetation.
“Even a small spark can quickly ignite a wildfire under the right conditions,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Texans are encouraged to stay alert and be aware of hazards that can cause a wildfire while hunting this season.”
Tips to avoid accidental fires
To avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while hunting or camping:
• Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass. Heat from a vehicle can easily ignite dry vegetation.
• Check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each Texas county sets and lifts its own burn bans. Review the latest burn ban map.
• Never leave a cooking fire or campfire unattended. Before leaving, drown the fire with water, stir the ashes and feel for heat to ensure it is completely out and cold.
• Before towing a trailer, make sure tires are properly inflated, safety chains do not contact the road and loose metal cannot create sparks.
• Be prepared to extinguish a fire. Keep a shovel and water at camp, and always carry a fire extinguisher on the ATV.
Texas Forest Service offers more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season.