MASON COUNTY, TX (Nexstar) -- The Texas Division of Emergency Management announced it is sending out additional wildfire resources to western parts of the state due to an increased risk in wildfire activity on Monday.
The Texas A&M Forest Service identified extreme wildfire risks for parts of the Hill Country, West Texas, the Permian Basin, South Plains, and the Panhandle. The service provides a fire risk map on its website that highlights dozens of counties at a heightened risk.
“Texans are urged to avoid activities that cause sparks and follow instructions from local emergency officials. Please join me in thanking the first responders working around the clock to protect life and property during this holiday season," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
The support being sent to local fire departments across the state includes 35 pieces of equipment, including fire engines and bulldozers, nine federally contracted firefighting aircraft, and 160 firefighters and personnel through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
The Mason County Commissioners Court issued a 90-day burn ban on Monday in response to the heightened risk. The entire county is shaded in the "extreme" risk category according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website.
