Dry conditions create perfect scenario for winter wildfires

December 30, 2025

by Jo Anne Embleton Contributor

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Area fire departments that have spent this holiday season responding to numerous outdoor fires are asking that residents hold off from outdoor burning or setting off fireworks for the time being.

“It’s been an issue these past few weeks – we’re seeing an increase in grass and wood fires, but we haven’t seen anything that’s gotten out of control,” said Maydelle Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jody Gray.

Although Cherokee County is not under an outdoor fire ban, conditions are prime for wildfire: High winds, dry terrain and low humidity, he said.

“You look outside the window and see green grass, but there is much more dead grass underneath that,” he said. “And because we have so much fuel – that’s the dead grass – it’s enough (to trigger an out-of-control burn).”

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, current winter weather conditions are creating a high risk for wildfire across Texas this winter.

“Warmer, drier-than-average and windy conditions are combining with dry vegetative fuels and increasing the potential for significant, large fires,” the TFS website noted, reminding residents to “keep an eye on the weather during the coming months and heed warnings from local officials.”

Local officials say to use common sense when considering a controlled burn, because even those can quickly get out of hand.

“A lot of the fires we’ve responded to are not spontaneous, they are controlled,” Gray pointed out.

“We are telling people to use caution,” added Precinct 4 Commissioner Billy McCutcheon. “I would say for fireworks, too, (because) anything can set a fire right now, and they’re predicting a 25 MPH wind forecast for Friday.

“I would say, don’t even light a match outdoors, because it’s dry like you wouldn’t believe,” he added. “Right now is not a good time to do that.”

County Judge Chris Davis agreed. “This time time of year, you’ve got to be careful, because everything is dead. Even if we get rain, it’s not going to change very much. I wouldn’t burn when it’s this dry, it’s just not safe.”

Gray reminded area residents of a fire monitor posted outside the Rusk Fire Department that is updated daily, helping folks better assess conditions for outdoor burns.

“It’s on the west side of the building (facing Austin Bank) – if you’re thinking about a burn, look at that monitor,” he said.

Meanwhile, think ahead and prepare properly, Gray said.

“Get all the precautions in place first. Keep the fire small. Don’t leave fire unattended – that’s the biggest thing, because most fires start out small and turn out big,” he noted. “Have a waterhose nearby. If you have access to a tractor, put a fireline around the fire (creating a firebreak).”