Brush near homes poses wildfire threat in Corpus Christi. Officials urge clearing debris, avoiding outdoor burning, and staying cautious in dry, windy weather.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott is adding more state help to deal with wildfires as the fire risk rises across Texas. The move is meant to make sure communities are ready if a wildfire starts.

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With summer-like temperatures still hanging on and dry brush building up, the Texas A&M Forest Service says parts of the state are facing a heightened fire risk.

As dry conditions persist across much of Texas, state officials have activated additional wildfire response resources to stay ahead of any potential emergencies.

“Within the city limits we are not allowed to burn — burning of trash, burning of lumber — those things are not allowed because of the fire danger and the risks that come with that,” said Corpus Christi Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Erben.

Erben says he doesn’t expect those resources to have a major impact locally, but warns the fire risk is still high and should be taken seriously.

He says much of that risk comes from what’s known as the wildland-urban interface — areas where homes and development meet brush and fields. It’s a setting he says can still be found in parts of Corpus Christi.

“We do have a lot of brushy areas. Brushy areas that are pretty adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Keep the brush away from your home, away from your fences — those types of things. That will help prevent that spread onto your property,” he said.

It’s not just a manmade problem — nature plays a role too. Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson Heather Gonzales says living near the coast does come with advantages like the breeze, but it’s those winds that can also add fuel to wildfires.

“What we usually have that helps is higher humidity values, especially with the coastal breezes coming in. But also with those coastal breezes sometimes it can bring variable and increased winds,” she said.

Gonzales says before lighting up the pit to always:

“Check the weather, if it’s going to be really hot, low humidity values and really windy, postpone for a better day,” she said.