East Texas hunters cautioned to heed forest fire safety

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - Soon, many East Texans will take to their hunting stands. Officials are urging those going out to be mindful of fire restrictions in their area.

As of Friday, 23 East Texas counties are under a burn ban.

"With more people outside during the season and out in the woods, there is a higher influx of people," said Texas A&M Forest Service Public Information Officer Laura Stevens.

On Thursday, the agency reported nine wildfires across the state. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, 65% of wildfires occur during hunting season.

"We all need to have an extra level of awareness and safety," Stevens said.

She explained various activities that could possibly cause a fire. If you're driving off roads, she suggests keeping cars and ATVs well-maintained.

"Double-check to make sure that you have properly inflated tires, and your wheel bearings are in proper working order because anything could cause a spark," said Stevens.

Drivers are suggested to avoid parking a running vehicle on dry grass.

"The catalytic converters, the exhaust from there, it's hot [and] it could start a fire," said Stevens.

If you're attaching trailers to your vehicles, it's suggested for tow chains to be the proper length to avoid sparks. Stevens also suggested adding a fire extinguisher and water to your safety kit.

"Anything we can do to prevent those is what we're asking," she said.

In East Texas, hunting season for white-tail deer lasts from Nov. 2 through Jan. 5. Duck season continues from Nov. 9 through Dec. 1 and Dec. 7 through Jan. 26.