Heat, Wind Fueling Brush Fires
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Jun 3, 2011
Story Updated:
Jun 3, 2011
As the dry conditions around Laredo continue, brush fires like the one around Lake Casa Blanca continue to ravage our city. Pro 8 news reporter Ryan Bailey has more on precautions you can take to make sure your home doesn't burn to the ground. It's our top story at ten.
Already this summer we've seen conditions ripe fires in the Gateway City, causing the weather service to deem them red flag days.
"That means we have high winds, low humidity and dry conditions. So that's an indicator of when to be extra careful."
Brush fires have destroyed homes in El Cenizo, burned along the area's highways and blazed around the lake.
"We encourage the public, if they see smoke within the city limits to report that to 911 right away and we'll send units to check it out."
One of the main worries for the L.F.D. is to protect homes around the city, they say keeping grass and brush around the house trimmed is the best way to achieve this.
"If we maintain the growth to a minimum in this area, it reduces the fuel that the fire needs to grow."
During these hot summer months, officials say a minor thing like throwing you cigarette out of the car, could turn into something major. Highway fires can be extremely dangerous, causing roads to be shut down or even worse, causing accidents.
"That small cigarette, that little butt can create huge grass fires along the highway."
One other main concern for the fire department is making sure you stay safe while cooking outdoors, especially when leaving the grill unmanned.
"Extinguishing it with dirt or water or just covering it up."
Ryan Bailey, Laredo's pro 8 news.
The Laredo Fire Department stresses if you see any smoke to immediately call 911 and report the area it is coming from. To check if today is considered a red flag day, you can visit weather.gov and do a search for Laredo Texas.
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Concerned Citizen said on Saturday, Jun 4 at 6:34 AM
Let's pray for rain.
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