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Tarrant County officials encourage residents in rural areas to keep roughly 30 feet of vegetation around homes and outbuilding mowed to prevent a fire from reaching their property.\u00a0<\/p>\n
David Woo\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
Wildfire risk is expected to increase across North Texas this week, as the region heads into another prolonged stretch of hot, dry weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n Several counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are forecast to see a higher fire risk this week, with conditions worsening into Wednesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The increased risk comes as persistent heat and a lack of meaningful rain<\/a> dry out vegetation and grass areas across North Texas, creating conditions that allow fires to start and spread more easily.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Related: Firefighters still at scene of 4-alarm fire that sent black smoke over SW Dallas County<\/a><\/p>\n \nWhen will wildfire danger be highest in North Texas?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Laura Stevens, Texas A&M Forest Service public information officer, said the agency uses a variety of equipment and systems to predict and monitor Texas\u2019 wildfire potential.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas is currently designated<\/a> by the Texas A&M Forest Service at a Preparedness Level 3, meaning wildfire activity is impacting several areas of the state due to drought, dry vegetation or frequent fire events.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Texas Weather Connection, in partnership with the Texas A&M Forest Service, also forecasts<\/a> the state\u2019s fire danger using five categories, including low, moderate, high, very high and extreme.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Dallas-Fort Worth area is forecast to see high fire danger Tuesday. By Wednesday, most of North Texas is forecast to see very high fire danger.\u00a0<\/p>\n North Texans can also view their area’s immediate risk using the forest service\u2019s\u00a0wildfire risk explorer<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stevens said when a local fire department needs assistance, it usually starts by reaching out to nearby departments for mutual aid before requesting assistance from the Texas A&M Forest Service.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since Friday, the forest service received 38 requests for assistance on wildfires burning nearly 6,000 acres, according to its website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n With drought conditions<\/a> developing across North Texas this month, Stevens said residents should be aware dry vegetation can increase the potential for fires to spread and make containing small fires more difficult.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: A drought is developing across North Texas. What could it mean for farms and livestock?<\/a><\/p>\n \nWhat should I do to avoid starting a wildfire?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Residents should check local restrictions before burning anything outdoors and avoid activities that could send sparks into dry grass or vegetation, including burning debris, leaving a campfire unattended or tossing lit cigarettes on the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tarrant County officials encourage<\/a> residents in rural areas to keep roughly 30 feet of vegetation around homes and outbuildings mowed to prevent a fire from reaching their property.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n If you see a wildfire, Stevens said to call 911 immediately and provide first responders with an accurate location.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: Wildfire threats are rising across North Texas. Here\u2019s how to avoid starting one<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n