LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock Fire Rescue is adjusting operations as severe fire weather conditions threaten the South Plains region.
Derek Delgado, public information officer for LFR, warns that current weather patterns create ideal conditions for fires to grow rapidly and become difficult to control.
“With having a severe fire weather conditions any type of fire can grow quickly,” Delgado said.
The combination of meteorological factors makes this period particularly hazardous for fire activity.
“We’re going to have high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds so all those are major contributing factors to maintaining a fire or leading to fire growth,” Delgado said.
These conditions require fire departments to operate with heightened awareness and preparation. Crews are ensuring specialized equipment, including tanker and brush trucks, are ready for immediate deployment.
While this equipment isn’t needed for every emergency call, having it prepared can save precious time when fires do occur.
The most significant danger exists in areas where urban development meets open countryside.
“Really the major threat is out there in the county where its that rural interface so open field, large brush especially brush that hasn’t been treated or cut down,” Delgado said.
However, fire officials emphasize that city residents shouldn’t assume they’re completely safe from fire threats.
Even within Lubbock’s more developed areas, wind-driven fires can escalate quickly and threaten residential properties.
“But still if you do have a fire in your backyard or front yard with high winds that fire can most definitely push towards a residences and expose that residences to also catching on fire,” Delgado said.
Fire officials encourage residents to prepare now by assembling emergency kits containing important documents and essential supplies, ensuring they’re ready to evacuate quickly if conditions deteriorate.
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