Katy Sun - News
Fire marshals issue wild fire warnings
From staff reports
The Fort Bend and Harris county fire marshal’s offices have issued “red flag” warnings, saying that wild fire conditions are possible.
“Based on information provided by the National Weather Service and the Texas Forest Service, the critical areas and pattern of ‘red flag’ warnings is expected to shift eastward into this area due to passage of a cold front today. Very high wild fire conditions exist throughout the State, and the National Weather Service has issued ‘red flag’ warnings across the entire area,” according to a statement.
According to officials, there is an increased risk of grass fires in the two counties.
The primary dangers in Harris, Ft. Bend and Montgomery counties are:
• Low fuel moistures, especially in fine fuels
• Dry, windy conditions and higher wind gusts
• Changing wind direction
The fire marshals are monitoring weather conditions and wildfire danger on a daily basis. Residents are urged to stop outdoor burning until conditions change.
Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said, "Until today, grass fires in this area have been relatively small, and relatively easy for local fire departments to extinguish. Today's conditions are much more dangerous, and a small fire could get out of control very quickly.
The Ft. Bend County Fire Marshal’s office recommends all citizens to be cautious and alert to the possibility of spreading fires from any outdoor burning due to the changing wind conditions.
“Based on information provided by the National Weather Service and the Texas Forest Service, the critical areas and pattern of ‘red flag’ warnings is expected to shift eastward into this area due to passage of a cold front today. Very high wild fire conditions exist throughout the State, and the National Weather Service has issued ‘red flag’ warnings across the entire area,” according to a statement.
According to officials, there is an increased risk of grass fires in the two counties.
The primary dangers in Harris, Ft. Bend and Montgomery counties are:
• Low fuel moistures, especially in fine fuels
• Dry, windy conditions and higher wind gusts
• Changing wind direction
The fire marshals are monitoring weather conditions and wildfire danger on a daily basis. Residents are urged to stop outdoor burning until conditions change.
Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said, "Until today, grass fires in this area have been relatively small, and relatively easy for local fire departments to extinguish. Today's conditions are much more dangerous, and a small fire could get out of control very quickly.
The Ft. Bend County Fire Marshal’s office recommends all citizens to be cautious and alert to the possibility of spreading fires from any outdoor burning due to the changing wind conditions.
Copyright © 2009 - Houston Community Newspapers Online