April 12, 2011 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – More than 983,000 acres of

Texas land have burned so far this year, a result of dangerous,

rapidly-spreading wildfire.

April is Wildfire Awareness Month, and

Texas Forest Service’s prevention and mitigation staff is spreading the

word that Texas is susceptible to wildfire. It can be a force of

nature, taking lives, homes and property.

Texas Forest Service

has identified more than 14,000 communities as being at risk for

wildland fire. So far this year, the agency has saved more than 3,300

homes and buildings – but 231 structures have been lost, and one

fire-related fatality occurred in February.

Families should teach

their children about fire safety, post fire emergency telephone numbers

and avoid outdoor activities that could cause a spark when the state is

under severe drought conditions, as it is now.

“Your home and

your yard can be your first line of defense in the event of a fire,”

said Wildland Urban Interface and Prevention Program Coordinator Justice

Jones. “Create an area around your home that is free of flammable

plants and other items.”

Families should have a fire action plan

detailing how best to exit the home and where to meet if a fire occurs.

Residents can download information about “Firewise” safety principles – simple measures you can take to protect your home and family.

Learn more about how to protect your family and home by visiting the Texas Forest Service website. More disaster preparedness information also can be accessed through the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Informational links:

http://firewise.org

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/