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Tarrant County issued a burn ban Thursday for 90 days as wildfire threats continue across the region. Similarly, Dallas County has also been under a 90-day burn ban since July 27.<\/p>\n
Tom Fox\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
With North Texas facing an elevated wildfire threat<\/a> today, some residents may not realize their everyday behaviors could contribute to starting a fire.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nine in 10 wildfires are caused by people, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service<\/a>. Common causes include burning debris on a windy day, dragging tow chains on the ground or driving on tall grass.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tarrant County issued a burn ban<\/a> Thursday for 90 days as wildfire threats continue across the region. Similarly, Dallas County<\/a> has also been under a 90-day burn ban since July 27.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Here\u2019s information about the region\u2019s wildfire threat and how to stay safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n \nWhy is wildfire danger increasing?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Laura Stevens, Texas A&M Forest Service public information officer, said the region\u2019s recent hot, dry and windy conditions have led to an increased risk for wildfires starting. Despite having some rain earlier this summer, Stevens said Dallas-Fort Worth has dried out recently.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe temperature keeps growing, the moisture levels in the fuels are drying out and creating a more elevated risk for wildfires,\u201d Stevens said. \u201cThe longer we go without rain or precipitation, the moisture level in the fuel will continue to dry out.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: Hot, windy Thursday raises fire threat across North Texas\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas has seen several recent wildfires, including the Jack County fire northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth, which was\u00a0fully contained<\/a> Aug. 6. The Bufford Creek Fire in Stephens County is actively burning west of Dallas, but is now 95% contained after spreading to about 3,240 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service\u2019s map<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Lone Star State reported 6,304 wildfires in 2025, burning about 132,366 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: Wildfires burn across western US and Canada as residents are evacuated<\/a><\/p>\n \nHow can people help prevent wildfires?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The National Weather Service<\/a> recommends avoiding several wildfire-causing behaviors, including leaving a campfire unattended or tossing lit cigarettes on the ground, especially near grass.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Before burning any debris, Stevens said to check if your county is under a burn ban and confirm the day\u2019s weather conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou always need to look at the forecast for the rest of the day because your burn pile may go longer than just an hour,\u201d Stevens said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Other behaviors to be cautious with is operating any kind of equipment that can create a spark, such as mowing the lawn or pulling off into a patch of grass on the side of the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201c[It can be] something as simple as mowing your lawn and the blades from your lawnmower hit a rock,\u201d Stevens said, \u201cIf the grass is really dry and you\u2019re mowing at five o\u2019clock in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day, that can create a fire.\u201d<\/p>\n Additionally, with hunting season<\/a> right around the corner, Stevens said North Texans need to be especially cautious about preventing wildfires, such as when clearing debris from a deer lease.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n