Wildfire Danger Warning Issued for West Texas Friday

SAN ANGELO – Hot, dry and windy conditions have created extreme wildfire danger across West Central Texas Friday and officials are warning residents to be aware of potential fast-moving wind-driven wildfires.  

The National Weather Service office in San Angelo has issued a Rangeland Fire Danger Statement which says the danger of fast spreading wildfires across the area will be highest from noon to 7 p.m. Friday.  

Elevated Fire Weather Conditions are expected across the Big Country and the Concho Valley Friday afternoon.  A combination of strong gusty winds, very dry air and dry fuels will encourage the rapid spread of any wildfire that ignites.  

Winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph and relative humidities will drop to 8 to 15 percent.  Those factors combined with temperatures near 90 degrees will create elevated rangeland fire conditions.  

Outdoor burning or activities like commercial welding that cause sparks or open flames are highly discouraged.  Conditions are favorable for wind-driven grass fires.  

Any wildfire that does ignite has the potential to spread rapidly out of control. 

Burn bans are in effect in most counties in the Big Country and the Concho Valley.  

This is a developing weather situation.