The Fort Worth Fire Department is asking for the public's help in combating unprecedented numbers of grassfires amid the extreme, dry summer heat.
Per an FWFD release Monday, forecasts don't show a break in the dry weather and triple-digit heat, meaning that grassfire numbers will likely rise as the summer continues.
FWFD provides a short list of actions residents can take to limit grassfire risk:
- Remove/reduce brush around homes and businesses
- Refrain from parking vehicles on grass or shrubs
- Pay strict attention to the use of heat and fire outdoors
- Keep a bucket of water, shovel, fire extinguisher or other fire suppression tools on hand when working with fire or heat outdoors
- Keep eye on children playing outdoors and ensure they aren't playing with fire
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Since July 5, Fort Worth Fire said they have responded to 362 grassfires which is a 704% increase from 2021 and a 294% increase from 2020.
FWFD responds to more than 400 calls a day. The department said that while the uptick in grassfires is not slowing response time, it is requiring additional units to be available to handle the larger number of calls.
