Gusty winds and low humidity are combining with already elevated fire dangers, creating critical fire weather conditions across South Central Texas, prompting the City of New Braunfels to ask residents to be extremely cautious.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service have issued Red Flag Warnings for Comal and Guadalupe Counties, which includes the City limits of New Braunfels. Very high fire danger is expected over the next few days thanks to increased wind speeds of 15mph or more and continued triple-digit temperatures. Those conditions, combined with very dry grass and other vegetation, can easily result in wildfires.
City of New Braunfels officials are advising residents and visitors to be extremely cautious with fire and to be aware that roadside fires have been a major cause of wildfires in Texas this summer. With that in mind, drivers are advised to avoid parking, driving, or idling in dry grass and to watch for vehicles pulling trailers or boats with tow chains or other metal objects that strike the road causing sparks.
Other fire safety tips from the National Weather Service include:
- Never throw lit cigarettes on the ground and keep ashes in a metal container with a tight lid.
- Keep grills or smokers on gravel or paved surfaces.
- Have water stored nearby when using grills, smokers, etc.
- Maintain vehicle brakes and tires
- Mow lawns early in the morning and when it’s not windy or excessively dry.
For information on how families can stay prepared for emergencies and disasters like wildfires, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/disasterprep.
