A dangerous combination of drought and wildfire conditions has pushed Henderson County, Texas, into a state of disaster. According to KTEK, a judge warned that even a small spark could start a huge fire.
Here's what to know
On Sept. 23, citing increasingly hazardous dry conditions, Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney put the disaster declaration in place and added fire-related restrictions while activating the county's emergency management plan.
The order keeps the county's outdoor burn ban in effect and also limits fireworks use.
Between Aug. 11 and Sept. 19, local fire crews responded to a whopping 151 wildfires, which has caused economic losses for farmers, ranchers, and timber producers.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of Sept. 22, 100% of the county is under drought conditions, making it much more likely that grass and wooded areas can catch fire and burn quickly.
Texas itself is struggling with drought, with 84.2% of the state under drought conditions.
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"It's come to the point that we truly need to take some additional steps," McKinney said to KTEK.
"Our largest concern, of course, is for the health and human safety," he continued. "It wouldn't take much, and a fire would move very quickly."
More background
When vegetation dries out, fires can spread much faster. Smoke can also create additional health risks for people, especially older adults, children, and people with respiratory conditions.
The county's immediate focus is on lowering the odds that new fires will start. The declaration can remain in place for as long as seven days. Meanwhile, Henderson County will keep its outdoor burn ban and fireworks restrictions in effect.
Activating the county's emergency management plan also gives local officials a more formal structure for coordinating response efforts if conditions worsen.
Where can I learn more?
Elsewhere, drought and wildfire threats have pushed officials to take similar emergency steps.
• In central Utah, counties got fire restrictions again over the summer even after drought eased.
• Heightened fire risk across drought-hit areas led to burn bans in the Carolinas.
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