Houston Fire Department Wildland Division

07/27/2026

🔥 Wildfire Awareness for Monday (7/27) 🔥

Moderate to high drying of surface fuels will continue across the High Plains, northern Rolling Plains, northern Cross Timbers, and Northeast Texas. While lower wind speeds are expected to keep the potential for large, difficult-to-control wildfires limited, hot temperatures approaching 105°F could still lead to isolated torching of juniper trees.

⚠️ Now is not the time to let our guard down. Even when overall fire potential is low, just one spark from equipment, vehicles parked on dry grass, unsecured tow chains, or unattended outdoor burning can quickly ignite dry vegetation.

Preventing wildfires is everyone's responsibility. By taking simple precautions, we can help protect our communities, our lands, and natural resources during these hot, dry conditions.

07/27/2026

Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 as the potential for wildfire activity is expected to increase in areas with rainfall deficits, such as the Rolling Plains, Cross Timbers, High Plains, Northeast Texas, and South Texas, where high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation is contributing to elevated risk.

We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to respond to any requests for assistance.

For more about Preparedness Levels, visit https://bit.ly/3BtPfhw

07/18/2026

THE NATION IS NOW AT PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 5

The United States has reached Preparedness Level 5, the highest level on the national wildland fire preparedness scale.

At PL5, wildland fire resources across the country are heavily committed. Crews, engines, aircraft, incident management teams and support personnel are being prioritized and moved where they are needed most.

Active geographic areas must take emergency measures to sustain incident operations. Even areas experiencing lower fire activity are providing resources and approaching drawdown levels.

Across the country, IMTA members are actively supporting the wildland fire response. From incident management and coordination to planning, logistics, public information, and other critical functions, these professionals are helping communities and responders navigate an increasingly demanding fire season.

Everyone can help protect these limited resources. Prevent human-caused fires, follow local fire restrictions, and remain prepared for changing conditions.



Learn more about the IMTA and become a member today at: https://www.ahimta.org/membership

07/18/2026

Full send ahead. As of 7:30 a.m. today July 18, the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) has raised the country to Preparedness Level 5 (PL5).

PL5 is the highest national wildfire preparedness level in the United States. It means wildfire activity is extreme, firefighting resources are heavily committed nationwide, and additional crews, aircraft, and equipment may be limited as agencies respond to multiple large, complex incidents simultaneous.

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07/18/2026

🚨 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL RAISED TO PL5 🚨

As of 7:30 a.m. on July 18, the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) has raised the nation to Preparedness Level 5 (PL5)—the highest national wildfire preparedness level in the United States.

A PL5 designation signifies that wildfire activity has reached extreme levels across the country. Firefighting resources are heavily committed, with multiple large and complex incidents occurring simultaneously. As a result, the availability of additional crews, engines, aircraft, incident management teams, and specialized equipment may become increasingly limited as agencies prioritize resources where they are needed most.

This is a reminder of the tremendous demands being placed on our wildland firefighters and support personnel. Stay informed, be prepared, and do your part to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Stay safe. Stay vigilant.

— Will Spyrison
Retired Division Chief | InciNotes Administrator

07/18/2026

? After a wildfire, the risk of flooding increases because burned areas can't absorb rain as well.

If you live near a recent wildfire burn scar, prepare for and stay alert during severe weather. You may face a higher risk for flash floods and mudslides.

➡️ Ready.gov/floods

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

Headed out.

07/18/2026

The Houston Fire Department Wildland Division has deployed two engines with 8 personnel to assist and support the efforts ongoing in South and West Texas due to the severe weather that has impacted those regions.

07/10/2026