August 18, 2023 - The Texas A&M Forest Service reports responding to a total of 11 wildfires during the months of July and August burning a total of 135 acres as of August 18, 2023. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level is currently at Level 4 with Level 5 being the highest level.
Sunday, August 13th fire off of US 96 South and CR 1021 burned 22 acres.
July - 6 fires burning 89.33 acres
7/15/2023 - .33 acres in the Aiken Community off of SH 7 and CR 1211
7/20/2023 - 1.60 acres off of SH 7 West and Private Road 117
7/23/2023 - 12 acres off of SH 7 near the Grigsby Community near CR 1240
7/23/2023 - 3.10 acres off of Loop 500 and CR 2050
7/25/2023 - 50 acres off of SH 7 near the Grigsby Community near CR 1245
7/28/2023 - 22.30 acres off US 96 North before Flatfork Creek near CR 4293
Forest Service brings in heavy equipment on August 16th to Timpson fire off of N 4th Street in town which involved 4 acres.
August - 5 fires burning 45.75 acres
8/1/2023 - .75 acres in Timpson/Tenaha off of FM 2026 near CR 4263 and 4243
8/1/2023 - 3 acres in Waterman community off of CR 1546
8/5/2023 - 5 acres in Jackson community off of FM 3082
8/13/2023 - 33 acres off of US 96 South and CR 1021
8/16/2023 - 4 acres in Timpson off of N 4th Street in town
Observed energy release component (ERC) values are now above the critical 90th percentile in 11 o the 14 predictive services areas (PSAs). Current ERC forecast indicate eight PSAs will exceed the 97th percentile ERC over the next 7 days. Shelby County is located in the Southeast Texas PSA which is the first to reach an ERC trend of greater than 97th percentile. The Southeast Texas PSA ERC is forecast to set a 16 year, all-time high this week with the onset of accelerated drying. Counties in the Southeast Texas PSA area are Shelby, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, Sabine, Angelina, Polk, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, Liberty, and Hardin.
Timpson VFD work with the Forest Service to contain August 16 wildfire.
Extreme heat will continue to promote an efficient burning environment Thursday and Friday as the upper level ridge of high pressure becomes the dominant weather feature.
Ways to help prevent fires:
- Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
- When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
- If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about wildfires and how to prepare for them, visit online https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/default.aspx.
Timpson fireman, "Mr. Frank" Chimney, works to extinguish August 16th wildfire in town.
