(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 10, 2009 ) COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The Texas Forest Service (TFS) is urging citizens in the Southern Plains and the Hill Country to be aware of heightened wildfire danger due to a front that will drop humidity levels and produce high winds.

The areas of highest concern are the Abilene, Midland/Odessa, Fort Stockton, Del Rio and San Angelo areas.

“These critical conditions could lead to wildfires that spread very rapidly and are extremely difficult to contain in this area,” said Brad Smith, a fire behavior analysis for TFS. “The potential for damage to improved property, such as homes, becomes much higher.”

These wildfires can also quickly endanger public safety.

Though parts of the state saw some precipitation on Sunday and Monday, prolonged drought conditions have not improved.

TFS Predictive Services Department forecasts that through the month of February fuels, such as grasses and trees, are expected to remain critically dry.

Over the past seven days, TFS has responded to 65 wildfires for 4,743 acres. According to an online database managed by TFS, fire departments have reported 205 wildfires for 3,424 since last Monday.

For more information on fire advisories and area conditions, go to http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu and click on Fire Danger/Advisories.

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Contact:
Lewis Kearney
Public Information Officer
Texas Forest Service
information@tfs.tamu.edu
979-255-5129

Misty Wilburn
Communications Specialist
Texas Forest Service
mwilburn@tfs.tamu.edu
979-458-7349


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Contact Information:
Texas Forest Service
Misty Wilburn
Tel: 979-458-7349
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