HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department (HFD) is sounding the alarm, alerting residents across the city to extremely dangerous fire weather conditions. What was previously a Fire Weather Watch has been elevated to a Red Flag Warning for the majority of southeast Texas, effective today, Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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The National Weather Service has indicated that critical factors are converging to create a significant risk of wildfires. These dangerous conditions include:
- Strong Winds: Sustained winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, with potential gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph.
- Low Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to plummet to below 20%.
- Dry Vegetation: The dryness of potential fuel sources such as grass, large brush, and small trees has fallen below the critical threshold for rapid wildfire spread.
Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “We were fortunate to finish a prescribed burn this week at Sylvan Rodriguez Park before the greater danger came with the forecast weather conditions. Whether a contractor at a job site or a homeowner working in the yard, everyone should take extra care this weekend to avoid sparking a fire. Let’s look out for each other.”
In light of these hazardous conditions, the Houston Fire Department is strongly advising all residents to take the following precautions:
- Avoid all fire-related activities. This includes campfires, outdoor grilling with charcoal, and any other open flames.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes can easily ignite dry vegetation.
- Properly discard cigarettes. Ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished in a non-combustible container.
- Avoid activities that could create sparks. This includes using metal tools that could strike rocks or other hard surfaces.
- Remove pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves, and gutters. This debris can act as kindling for a fire.
- Prevent chains from trailers dragging on the ground. The friction can create sparks.
IMPORTANT: The HFD reminds all citizens that it is strictly against City ordinance to conduct any outdoor burning without a valid permit issued by the Fire Marshal's Office.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take these warnings seriously to help prevent potentially devastating wildfires during this period of heightened risk.
