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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
Prevent Wildfires
-Prepare for Wildfires
+Wildland Urban Interface
+Fire Department Programs
+Planning & Preparation
Reducing vegetation on your property—or on a larger scale to protect a subdivision or community—can dramatically decrease the spread and intensity of wildfire and increase the chances for firefighters to control the fire. Help stop or slow down the spread of wildfire by thinning, trimming trees and removing ladder fuels including immature trees, shrubs and dead or downed branches which can carry a fire into the tops of trees. Below are different types of fuels treatments for fire management. See our pamphlet on Vegetation Management in the Wildland Urban Interface or read below for more information.
A fuel break is the thinning of vegetation, or fuels, over a specific area of land. They are most commonly used to surround a community and slow the spread of a wildfire. By decreasing the amount of vegetation the fire has to travel through, you are significantly reducing the risk of extreme fire behavior.
A fire break is a break in vegetation. In some cases it may be a gravel road, a river or a clearing made by a bulldozer. A ‘green’ fire break uses grasses with high moisture content, such as winter rye or winter wheat to provide a break in the continuity of the fuel. If wide enough, a fire break will stop the spread of direct flame. However, embers can still be lofted into the air and travel across the line.
A mechanical treatment removes fuels by cutting shrubs, small trees and ladder fuels that make up the understory of a forested area. Materials are either taken from the site or chipped into smaller pieces. Fuels are selected for removal based on how they would contribute to a wildfire. For example, a thick patch of cedar could readily ignite and release significant heat and embers. This fuel type contributes to the rapid spread of a wildfire and would need to be removed.
The objective of mechanical treatment is to reduce the intensity of wildfire. If there is less fuel to burn the fire stays low to the ground giving firefighters a safer condition in which to work
A mulching operation is intended to break fuels into smaller pieces and spread them within the fuel break. While the smaller pieces will still carry fire, they will significantly reduce the intensity of it. The goal is to reduce ladder fuels like tall brush that could carry a ground fire into the top of a tree.
Mulching equipment is classified as either traditional mowers or mulchers that grind the material. Heavy duty mowers are useful when fuels are small enough to be pushed over. However, for sites with an established woody mid-story, or ladder fuels, other equipment may be needed.
Herbicides are used to control invasive species of plants that will “take over” an area. Invasive plant species can also be reduced with mechanical thinning.
The effectiveness of herbicide treatments depend on existing vegetation, topography and other local restrictions. Thick underbrush may require mechanical treatments prior to the use of herbicides.
Removing fuels by grazing relies on the consumption of plants by animals. Across the state, various livestock are used in this way.
Regular maintenance of breaks increases their effectiveness in preventing wildfires.The use of herbicides as a follow up treatment to mulching will help reduce the amount of weed sprouts.Grazing is also an option to maintain a fuel break.
Texas A&M Forest Service offers careers that can take you anywhere from a wildfire line defending lives and homes, to a forest protecting and conserving Texas natural resources to a computer working on a new application to create solutions for Texans across the state.
Storms often leave trees looking bare and deflated—but these looks can be deceiving. Trees have an uncanny ability to recover from storm damage. Before assuming your trees are lost, give them a quick assessment.
Wildfires are unpredictable and there is no way to anticipate the severity with which they burn or the impact they will have to communities.
May the forest be with you, always – celebrating Stewardship Week It doesn’t matter where you are, the forest is with you. May the Forest Be with You, Always is this year’s Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week theme and Texas A&M Forest Service encourages all to appreciate the trees, and their abundant benefits, around them.
Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute graduates fourth class The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute’s fourth cohort graduated today, following the completion of its final session in College Station.
Texas A&M Forest Service awards historic $15.4 million through forestry grant program Twenty-two Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and schools received grant funding through the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Program, totaling $15.4 million.
Twenty-two Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and schools received grant funding through the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Program, totaling $15.4 million.