Texas — Unsafe debris burning is the most common cause of wildfires responded to by the Texas A&M Forest Service, according to the agency.
Debris burning can include brush piles, construction debris, household trash, leaves and grass clippings. Texans planning to burn are encouraged to take precautions to prevent a controlled fire from becoming a wildfire.
Check for local burn bans and current wildfire danger levels.
Check weather conditions before burning and avoid burning on dry or windy days.
Establish control lines down to bare mineral soil at least 5 feet wide around burn barrels, brush piles or other piled debris.
Equip burn barrels with a screen or metal grid with 1/8-inch mesh or smaller to help contain flying embers.
Never burn aerosol cans.
Remain with the fire until it is completely out and keep water and hand tools, such as a shovel or garden rake, nearby.
Before burning, Texans should check current burn bans in their county through the Texas A&M Forest Service.