Cooler temperatures greeted residents across the Coastal Bend Wednesday morning, giving many a taste of long-awaited fall weather.<\/p>\n
Sinton resident Dollie Brown said the mix of sunshine and cool air made for a perfect morning. \u201cNow with the combination of cool weather and plus some sun too\u2026 I mean, it\u2019s perfect,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Breezy, dry weather puts Coastal Bend at wildfire risk<\/p>\n
However, what feels like perfect fall weather can also create dangerous fire conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Nueces County as strong winds, dry air, and low humidity increase the risk of wildfires.<\/p>\n
Annaville Fire Chief Michael Clack said it doesn\u2019t take much for flames to spread under these conditions.\u201cWe\u2019re used to the wind and the drought, but when that humidity drops, it makes it easy for fires to start \u2014 and they spread very fast,\u201d Clack explained.<\/p>\n
During Neighborhood News Reporter Tyrese Boone’s interview with Chief Clack, firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire near Highway 44 and County Road 61, a quick reminder of how fast situations can escalate.<\/p>\n
Clack said many local fires are sparked by simple outdoor activities.\u201cBelieve it or not, it\u2019s mowing,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve had multiple fires this year started by lawnmowers \u2014 whether it hit the right rock or something, and next thing you know, we\u2019ve got houses being threatened.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Coastal Bend has seen its share of wildfires this year. In Sinton, earlier fires forced residents to evacuate \u2014 a memory still fresh for many locals.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy husband and I were in the mix with the last fire in Sinton and had to help bus people around,\u201d Brown said. \u201cIt became a little personal for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chief Clack says everyone can help reduce the risk of wildfires by taking a few precautions:<\/p>\n
Avoid any open flamesHold off on mowing or yard work until conditions improveKeep trailer chains secured to prevent sparks<\/p>\n
Additional tips during a Red Flag Warning include:<\/p>\n
Never discard cigarettes or matches on the ground or out of a moving vehicleAvoid using fire pits, grills, or outdoor machinery that can cause sparksMake sure vehicles are not parked over dry grassClear dry brush and debris away from your home to create a \u201cdefensible space”Have a plan in place in case an evacuation is ordered in your area.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service says the Red Flag Warning could be extended or lifted depending on changing conditions.<\/p>\n
Residents can stay updated on the latest weather alerts at KRISTV.com\/weather.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n