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From the mesquite-choked brush country of the Rio Grande to the wind-scoured plains of the Panhandle, fire behavior in Texas is as big and unpredictable as the state itself. For wildland fire investigators, that means contending with everything from fence-line burns gone wrong to sprawling multi-day incidents threatening oil infrastructure, ranchland, and fast-growing exurbs.
This guide breaks down the wildland fire resources in Texas, laying out who you’ll work with, how fires behave across regions, where to get trained, and how to stay ahead of the next ignition.
For updates and training, visit our wildland firefighting resource hub.
Live Incident Updates & Maps
Use this tool to monitor ongoing wildfires and incident status across Texas:
State Overview
Texas burns big and often. With nearly every ecosystem type represented, piney woods in the east, arid brushland in the west, and sprawling prairie in between, wildfire behavior across the state varies wildly.
- West Texas: Characterized by dry fuels and wind-driven spread, especially in rangeland and canyon country. Fires here move fast and cover ground quickly.
- Central Texas Hill Country: High WUI exposure, volatile oak-juniper fuels, and rugged terrain make suppression and scene access difficult.
- East Texas: Pine plantations and hardwood forests support high-intensity crown fires when drought combines with wind.
- South Texas: Brush fuels like mesquite and guajillo burn hot and fast, with wildland fires often impacting oilfield infrastructure.
- Panhandle Plains: Fires often involve large agricultural tracts and wind farms. Flat terrain doesn’t mean easy—fires can run for miles.
Wildfire Season Timeline
Texas doesn’t follow a clean “seasonal” model. Fire potential shifts based on rainfall, drought index, and wind events:
- Winter to Early Spring (January–April): Peak fire activity in central and northwestern regions, fueled by cured grasses and high winds.
- Summer (June–August): Wildfire activity picks up again in the west and southern brushlands, especially during drought.
- Late Fall (October–December): Post-harvest burns and cold front-driven fires emerge. Investigators often see downed power lines or escaped burn ignitions.
Note: Fire season can be year-round in Texas. Don’t assume seasonal downtime means investigative downtime.
Key State Agencies Involved
Wildfire investigation and suppression in Texas is decentralized but cooperative, with overlapping jurisdiction based on land ownership and incident scale.
- Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS): The state’s lead wildland fire agency. TFS coordinates suppression on state lands, provides cause and origin investigators, and manages aviation and handcrew assets. Their Law Enforcement and Investigations branch partners on complex cases.
- Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): Coordinates interagency wildfire response during disasters. Investigators may work with TDEM reps on joint ops.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD): Responsible for the management of state parks and wildlife management areas. Often, the first call for investigator coordination on public lands.
- County Fire Marshals: Statutory authority in many counties. Some conduct initial cause assessments, especially for small fires or when TFS is not present.
- Federal Partners: The USFS, BLM, and NPS manage protected lands (e.g., Big Bend, national forests in East Texas). Expect standard NWCG protocols on these scenes.
Local Wildland Firefighting Resources
Texas’s fire backbone is local. Volunteer departments and regional task forces carry much of the initial attack load, especially in rural counties. Investigators often coordinate directly with these teams.
List of Local/State/Federal Fire Response Agencies
Expect to interact with a mix of the following, depending on your scene’s location:
Contact Numbers and Emergency Links
- Report a Wildfire: 911 or local VFD
- TFS Wildfire Response Information: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu
- Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TICC): https://ticc.tamu.edu | (936) 273-2261
- Texas Burn Ban Map: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans
- Red Flag Warning Map (NWS): https://www.weather.gov
Training & Volunteering
Whether you’re looking to maintain red card status or bring new volunteers into the wildland system, Texas has robust training resources across the state.
NWCG-Approved Academies and Centers
- Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy (TAMU): Hosted annually in Bastrop. Offers S-130/190, L-180, S-290, FI-210, and advanced courses. Known for hands-on field exercises and interagency coordination.
- TFS Regional Training Programs: Available across East, Central, and West Texas. Includes wildland suppression, fire behavior, and cause determination.
- USFS & NPS Training Centers: Located in National Forests like Sam Houston and Davy Crockett. Offer NWCG-compliant courses for federal and cooperating state agencies.
Volunteer and Seasonal Training Opportunities
- TFS Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Program: Recruits annually for spring and summer crews. Includes red card training and mop-up/patrol deployment. Many support investigations post-containment.
- County-Based Volunteer Academies: Local fire departments and emergency service districts host seasonal academies, often open to the public. Includes fireline safety, initial attack, and wildfire cause basics.
- TPWD Prescribed Fire Crews: Provide training for those supporting ecological burns. Includes fire behavior analysis and ignition pattern instruction.
Stay Informed on Texas’s Wildland Fire Landscape
Texas fire investigators face a dynamic, wide-open fire landscape. Investigations often involve multiple agencies, diverse fuel models, and non-traditional ignition sources, ranging from ranching equipment to oilfield infrastructure.
To stay sharp:
- Monitor ERC and drought indices via the TAMU KBDI Portal
- Build relationships with local burn bosses, VFD chiefs, and utility risk officers
- Subscribe to Southern Area Coordination Center updates and TFS alerts
- Stay current on mutual aid compacts, especially with bordering states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana
FAQs
Who investigates wildfires in Texas?
If on state or private land, the Texas A&M Forest Service often leads. Local county fire marshals may initiate small fire investigations. On federal lands, the USFS or NPS takes the lead.
How do I report a wildfire in Texas?
Dial 911. Also, alert your regional TFS office or local VFD if you’re a responder. The TICC number (936-273-2261) can assist with federal or multi-agency coordination.
Can I conduct a prescribed burn in Texas?
Yes, but it depends on your region and fire danger level. You’ll need to follow county regulations and consult with TFS. Certified burn managers can provide oversight for large-scale burns.
What are common ignition sources in Texas wildfires?
Beyond the usual (campfires, discarded cigarettes), investigators frequently encounter welding sparks, oilfield equipment, powerlines, and agricultural burns as primary causes.
