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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 Wildfire
+Wildland Urban Interface
+Fire Department Programs
+Planning & Preparation
The expanding threat of wildfires to Texas communities is a result of the state’s ever changing land use, climate and population. Many Texas communities are within or are growing into the Wildland Urban Interface. The WUI is an area where flammable homes are mixed with flammable vegetation.
CWPPs are designed from a collaboration of local government, fire departments and TFS WUI specialists to identify wildfire risks and create protection and mitigation strategies. A plan can be as simple or complex as the needs of the community. CWPPs are authorized by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
When developing a CWPP, WUI specialists along with community leaders work to:
A CWPP can be completed at the county or community level. Review the Leader's Guide (PDF, 2MB)and CWPP Guide (PDF, 22MB)for help creating an effective plan to reduce the wildfire risk to homes, businesses and natural resources in your community.
To view an example of a completed CWPP, please see the City of Bryan's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (PDF, 138MB).
To begin your Community Wildfire Protection Plan, contact your local WUI Specialist today.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs launched the "Ready, Set, Go!" program nationally in 2011. Texas is very active with nearly 400 members.
The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program is aimed at small communities, community associations and master planned communities and is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
The goal is to assess the wildfire risk and create a network of cooperating homeowners and organizations within a community and a community’s fire department. Texas is home to over 60 active Firewise Communities.
To learn more about the Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program, contact your local Wildland Urban Interface Specialist today.
Wildfires will occur where people live—it’s not if, but when. And when a community hasn’t prepared, the economic, social and environmental consequences can be far-reaching. Taking the right steps in advance can minimize damage to homes and property, increase public safety, protect infrastructure and businesses, save millions of dollars and ensure future tourism and local recreation opportunities.
Implementing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or a program like "Ready, Set, Go!" and Firewise Communities/USA in your community is the best way for your community to become fire adapted.
To learn more about joining the Fire Adapted Communities initiative, contact your local Wildland Urban Interface Specialist today.
2015 Prescribed Fire Grant Application is now available
Scope of Project:
Reduce the hazard of high-risk fuels on private lands through the use of prescribed burning. Treatment area will be within 10 miles of a National Forest boundary. The grant's goal is to protect high-risk communities and associated forest resources by reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire on private and public lands. Priority will be given to projects that meet both criteria.
Texas A & M Forest Service 2015/2016 CPP RX Burn Recipients/Sub-Recipients
County
Acres
1
Pine Island Partners
Angelina
151
2
HSH Highway 103 E, L.L.C.
200
3
Elvin Lowery
166
4
John R. Winston III Family Corp.
215
5
Circle T Land & Timber
96
6
LGI Properties
221.8
7
James Pyle
325
8
LAWM, Inc.
Nacogdoches
85
9
Jon & Patty Short
Walker
79
10
CS&W Timber Partners, Ltd.
125
11
James Rick Martin
San Augustine
212
12
Jimmy L. Ford
Houston
107
13
Baker 2006 Descendants Trust
14
Lewis R. Fair
33
15
Eberts Ranch L.P.
115
16
2 Sooners, LP - Johnny Higdon
San Jacinto
312
17
W B Wood Investments
Montgomery
74.1
18
Crown Pine Timber 1
216
19
Gibson Family Partnership
Trinity
20
Fair Brothers Properties & Services LLC
65
21
Brushy Creek Timber XI, L.P.
Cherokee
50
22
Kevin Fontenot
Sabine
239
23
Mike Davis
75
24
Voyager Group LTD
92
25
Winston Land & Cattle I Ltd
26
Tony Davidson
56
27
Justin Penick
42
28
Jason Wells
29
Mollie Ethington
137
30
Terry Morgan
124.4
31
Allen Loggins Jr.
656
32
Patton Timber & Investments
170
Halbert Trust - Joel Halbert
201.4
34
Haley Fairway Farm
150.5
35
Ronald A King
54
36
Buck Bay Timber, Ltd
218
37
Janet Tisdale Peterson
140
38
Spring Creek Country Club
228
39
Alders Enterprises, Ltd
261
40
Crest Natural Resources
51
41
Travis M Guinn
Williams River Farm LP
45
43
Flournoy-Voss Timber Holdings
123
44
S & S Farms
260
Olen C Francis
138
46
Roy R. & June E. Hicks
Jasper
47
James S. Carter Sr. Family Trust
970
48
B K Shergill LLC
419
49
Janey Williams-Wood
Cherches Wild Things
134.6
Total Acres Funded
8791.8
Detailed Map of the Sam Houston National Forest Communities
Detailed Map of the Davy Crockett National Forest Communities
Detailed Map of the Angelina National Forest Communities
Detailed Map of the Sabine National Forest Communities
Grant recipients will be reimbursed actual costs associated with conducting the prescribed burn. The maximum reimbursement rate will not exceed $30 per acre. Upon completion of the prescribed burn, the landowner will provide an invoice indicating work performed to Texas A&M Forest Service. After inspection by TFS personnel, the landowner will be reimbursed up to $30 per acre.
2015 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report
2014 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report
2013 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report
The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal is an online, user-friendly, statewide planning tool that provides reference information, maps, reports and statistics for community leaders in regards for wildfire planning and mitigation needs. TxWRAP provides information on the following topics:
PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES
WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE
PREVENT WILDFIRES
TEXAS BURN BANS
WILDFIRE RISK
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS
Come to the 2019 Tax Workshop!
In addition to fighting wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service is called upon to assist during all-hazard emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters and domestic situations. Follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest updated on incidents across the state.
The Bastrop Lost Pines Recovery AggieREPLANT will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Over the past five years, 2,000 students have planted 43,000 loblolly pine seedlings over 50 acres of parkland.
Texas A&M Forest Service launches online tools to assist Texas landowners Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Learn Plan Act Texas website in partnership with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas Forestry Association to educate Texans on land stewardship practices. The agency also redesigned its My Land Management Connector application in an effort to make stewardship easier than ever before.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards TFS forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Joel Hambright, Regional Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.