More fires reported in Fort Worth in 2022 compared to same period last year
The Fort Worth Fire Department reported 93 more fires in June compared to last year’s tally.
Drought conditions in Tarrant County seems to be the culprit in the spike in the number of fires reported — 404 fires this month compared to 311 reported in the same time period last year, according to the FWFD.
“These conditions are very dangerous for any spark, ember or firework to come in contact with the dry grass,” FWFD wrote on Facebook.
The extreme #drought in #TarrantCounty is impacting the number of fires the #FWFD is responding to daily. This year, before the 4th of July, we've surpassed the 2021 totals thru July 5th. These conditions are very dangerous for any spark, ember or firework. Stay safe, #FortWorth. pic.twitter.com/mywcBuZup0
— Fort Worth Fire Department (@FortWorthFire) June 28, 2022
Most of Tarrant County is in “severe drought,” while 20% is under more dire “extreme drought” conditions, according to the U.S. National Integrated Drought Information System, a multi-agency group that monitors drought conditions around the U.S.
As of May, according to the NIDIS, this has been the county’s 12th driest year in the past 128 years.
The County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an outdoor burn ban earlier this week for fear the dry and hot conditions could cause wildfires.
The burn ban does not impact fireworks sale or usage, but County Judge Glen Whitley does have the authority to issue a disaster declaration to prohibit the sale or use of fireworks in unincorporated areas.
County Fire Marshal Randy Renois said the judge could call for a ban on fireworks, but it would only last for 60 hours, per Texas law. If the judge wanted to extend the ban past the 60 hour mark, it would require authorization from Gov. Greg Abbott.
