AUSTIN — The Lower Colorado River Authority reminds the public about the danger of accidental fires as dry weather continues to create ideal wildfire conditions.
The Texas Forest Service has declared a high risk of wildfires across much of the state because of the extreme drought conditions. With the increased danger, LCRA continues its ban on all ground fires at its parks and recreation areas. "The only exception to the burn ban that we make is for containers such a small grill that uses charcoal briquettes," said David Whatley, LCRA parks superintendent. LCRA also reminds visitors that fireworks are always banned at its parks and recreational areas.
At least 183 Texas counties have issued outdoor fire bans following blazes that destroyed buildings in several areas statewide and killed three people in late December, according to the Texas Forest Service. Also, many counties also have restricted aerial fireworks.
Traci Weaver, public information officer for the Texas Forest Service, called this winter fire season "record breaking." Since Nov. 23, 69,000 acres have burned across the state, topping the 1995-1996 season, which was the worst season in recent memory. Under the current dry conditions, a grass fire will spread to 500 acres within an hour and 4,000 acres in two hours, according to Texas Forest Service estimates.
Dry conditions in 2005 and start of 2006
Officials worry the conditions create a tinderbox — after dry weather plagued Texas for most of 2005. For example, Austin's Bergstrom International Airport recorded just 21.45 inches of rain in 2005, more than 13 inches below normal.
"In broad terms, 2005 is going to be a top-10-driest year" for much of Central Texas, said Bob Rose, LCRA meteorologist.
People need to remain on guard as dry conditions continue, Rose said. The first part of the year is expected to be more of the same. Rose forecasts little precipitation in early 2006.
"The first half of the year should be drier than normal," Rose said. "The first two or three months may be quite dry."
With continuing dry conditions and slowly dropping lake levels, LCRA in mid-December called on Colorado River water users to conserve water voluntarily. LCRA issued the call for conservation because the combined volume of lakes Travis and Buchanan — the two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes chain — has dropped below a "trigger" level of 1.6 million acre-feet of water.
