Fire Danger Still High in Henderson County

County sees 44 fires this week

Henderson County has been hit with a series of wildfires this week, with Henderson County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg reporting 44 fires this week alone.

There have been 153 in the county since June 1, he said.

According to the Texas Forest  Service (TFS), Henderson County remains critically dry so the fires could continue next week.

"The fire environment through early next week will support moderate to high initial attack fire potential in a wide range of fuel types," reads the TFS Fire Potential Update for July 7-13. "Underlying drought and low fuel moisture are increasing the risk of initial attack fires escaping containment as larger diameter surface fuel and ground fuel is burning more readily and holding heat longer."

The average Keetch-Byram Drought Index for Henderson County on Friday was 682, which is substantially higher than the 575 threshold for setting a burn ban.

Henderson County has been under a burn ban since June 21, but needs residents to be aware of the situation and help keep their neighbors safe.

"This is not the time to be burning  leaves, grass, brush, and other yard trimmings," Renberg said. "Please be aware that even small fires can get out of control quickly in this environment."

The TFS also warns residents to be prepared.

"Now is the time for them to prepare their homes for wildfires," said Matt Burnett, TFS Fire Coordinator. "If they have acreage, now is the time to disc in fire breaks, mow down overgrown pastures, and make sure their addresses are clearly marked.

(Photo courtesy Texas Forest Service)