Jon Gersbach, Texas AgriLife Extension agent, advised keeping the discs or grader blade attached to the tractor at all times to assist in destroying fuel for a fire and prevent a wildfire from spreading.
“Do not be concerned with destruction of the grass,” Gersbach said. “Plowing will actually loosen the soil, providing a decrease in compaction and aeration of the soil and an overall reinvigoration of the pasture. But more importantly, this may perhaps prove to be an invaluable line of defense against a potentially deadly fire.”
The swath should be made as wide as possible, an extension press release said, because winds will help fire jump these plowed areas. Also, consider plowing fire lanes that will slow fire in the event that it passes the initial plowed barrier. Several plowed lanes would cease or slow the spread of a fire.
With the hot, dry weather the area is experiencing those who know recommend not burning brush or trash after dark.
“Fire danger is extremely high,” Cameron Fire Chief Henry Horelica said. Brush piles burning after dark alerts neighbors of a large fire in their area and they call the fire department thinking it is a house fire when it is a controlled burn.
The same goes for burning off fields and make sure trash is in a barrel and there’s a handy water supply nearby, Horelica said.
Residents also are advised to exercise caution when driving vehicles through pastures or tall grass. The heat from mufflers, exhaust and engines are enough to ignite the dried grasses. Use caution in regards to exhaust systems on all-terrain vehicles as well, Gersbach said.
Another area of concern would be hay lots or hay storage areas. Hay is a very valuable commodity, considering the cost of producing it has coupled with lowered production this season, Gersbach said.
“Loss of many bales of hay can occur quickly upon the ignition of a fire,” Gersbach said. “Make sure to also plow fire lanes around these areas, or move them to an area where there is a gravel lot or road surrounding them.”
Additionally, Gersbach advised residents to keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times while mowing, cutting hay, or harvesting crops. In dry, windy conditions, all it takes is one spark to start a fire, potentially damage property, and endanger lives.
Gersbach advised keeping a water tank handy to douse any sparks that may be produced while welding or repairing equipment.
“If any burning will be taking place, make sure to contact your local fire department to let them know of the activity and to take precautions to ensure that the activity can be performed safely and without incident,” Gersbach said. “If conditions are unfavorable, most notably gusty winds, do not burn. Especially if you will be unable to devote the time to sit with and monitor the fire until extinguished. A little preparation and common sense will go a long way in preventing a potentially devastating and costly situation.”
