TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Two weeks into a burn ban, East Texas fire officials say dry conditions and weather are still putting the pineywoods at risk of wildfires and urge the community to stay on top of regulations.
The sight of smoke is becoming all too frequent as wildfires continue to scorch dry land across the region. Burn bans are now active across much of East Texas including Smith and Wood counties.
Tyler apartment destroyed after overloaded power strip starts fire
Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said not everyone is complying and asks people to report any signs of a fire.
“We’ve had a good response from the public calling in when they see smoke or they’re driving by somewhere and someone is burning so that helps out a lot,” Hogue said.
Hogue is also urging people to avoid dragging metal behind vehicles or tossing flammable items along roadways as even a small mistake can spark a fire.
“As of yesterday, it was 735 on a scale of up to 800, so we’re on the upper end of that. it’s extreme conditions,” Hogue said.
More than 130 acres burned in wood county on Monday fueled by strong winds, showing just how fast these fires can grow. Wood County Fire Marshal Tully Davidson says while that fire burned open land, rural homes remain at risk.
“We like to tell people to make sure that you get your furniture away from the house if possible,” Davidson said. “Make sure you blow the leaves away from your house, and make sure your gutters are cleaned out.”
Davidson hopes people across the pineywoods will do their part to slow the rate of fires as local crews are stretched thin.
“A lot of our firefighters are just taxed right now, obviously, and I mean that they’re just tired,” Davidson said. “We have been fighting fires pretty much every day.”
Davidson wants people to think twice before burning in these conditions.
“It’s not just about you, it’s about everyone in the community,” Davidson said.
You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite needed—watch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.