TEXAS, USA — Texas A&M Forest Service has been protecting Texas Touraine since 1915, and in 1993 they began coordinating wildland fire responses.
In addition to protecting the state of Texas, the forest service battles blazes across the nation, according to Julian Rodriguez, Information Officer.
"If we're getting a lot of moisture and other states aren't and they need the help then just like we're getting a lot of out-of-state resources here assisting us in Texas will also go out of state for a response," Rodriguez said.
As Texas A&M Forest officials note, the experience they have gained fighting fires in other states has ended up benefitting residents here in Texas.
"It helps tremendously with a lot of our firefighters getting a lot of that experience and different fuel types and different topographies," Rodriguez said.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, there are currently 14 active wildfires in Texas. On Tuesday, forest service firefighters responded to 24 new wildfires that burned more than 7,000 acres. However, Rodriguez maintains that it is still too early to determine how bad this season will be.
"It's hard to compare those numbers really, but what we can say is that the environment is there for a very long and busy fire season to continue throughout this year," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez advises that you should create a "Defensible space" around your property to protect it from wildfires. Essentially, it serves as a buffer between the building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildlands nearby.