Officials Warn of High Fire Danger

News Release
DATE: September 14, 2011
Contact: Johnny Zackary, 903-237-1218

Officials Warn Residents of Extremely High Fire Danger

(Longview, TX) During a press conference held Wednesday, September 14, Longview Mayor Jay Dean and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt warned residents of the extremely high fire danger in the East Texas area. The region is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of dry conditions beyond those seen within the past 100 years. All residents are encouraged to avoid any activities that create even the smallest spark.

Residents are asked to report any careless or suspicious activity to law enforcement during these very dry conditions. According to some estimates, approximately 80% of the wildfires have been the result of human activity that could have been avoided. Due to the dry conditions, the threat of fires is not expected to diminish any time soon.

Officials remind residents that Longview and surrounding communities are not immune to fire danger. Within the past two days, there have been two significant fires within or adjacent to Longview city limits. According to Longview Mayor Jay Dean, “We need our residents to avoid any activity that would lead to a spark. If you see someone doing something that could lead to a fire or acting suspiciously, please report them to your law enforcement agencies. This is absolutely not a time for people to be careless.”

Fire Safety Tips:

Have an exit strategy from your home, business, and neighborhood to multiple points of exit.

Do not wait for someone to tell you to evacuate. Be watchful and evacuate if the fire danger is nearby.

For your own safety, if you don’t live near the fires, please stay away from the area around the fires.

Avoid activities that can create a spark. Examples include burning of any kind, outdoor cooking or grilling, improper disposal of cigarettes, industrial activities such as welding or other construction, or use of any older equipment without spark arrestors.

For additional fire safety tips, please visit www.FireWise.org.

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Ongoing Information:

The Pacific Northwest National Incident Management Team 2 continues to be a resource for operations of the large fires in the Northeast Texas area.

To receive updates concerning the fires in Northeast Texas, visit the Incident Information System Website at www.INCIWeb.org and select the "Northeast Texas Fires Complex" as the incident. The website allows visitors to follow particular incidents using twitter, RSS, or Google Earth. Information will be added to the site as the incident management team establishes command. Information may also be viewed on the Pacific Northwest Team 2 website at www.PNW2.com.

Click here to go directly to the Northeast Texas Fires Complex incident.

www.PNW2.com