Critical Conditions

Critical Conditions

2011 Wildfire Conditions

• Drenching rains from summer of 2010 led to a particularly lush vegetation growth.
• The vegetation was then largely killed off by an uncommonly cold winter that same year.
• In 2011, the driest March in state history only compounded a dire situation.

2011 Wildfire Statistics

• For several months in 2011, 99% of Texas was under a burn ban.
• 30,547 wildfires scorched across Texas, making it the most active wildfire season.
• 3,993,716 acres burned.
• 3,947 homes were destroyed.
• More than 1,400 wild and domesticated animals have perished in these fires.

Lives Lost

• 29 firefighters have been injured since January 1, 2011.
• 3 firefighters and 2 civilians have died.
• 2 civilians have been injured.

Why Support

• 39,413 homes were saved by firefighters during the 2011 wildfire season.
• 77% of our fire service is staffed by our volunteer fire departments.
• Approximately 30,000 volunteer firefighters across Texas represent 1,400 volunteer fire departments.
• 86% of our volunteer firefighters use their personal funds to meet the day-to-day equipment and supply needs of their fire department.
• It costs approximately $8,400 to outfit one firefighter.

2012 Fire Statistics*

Fires:

• 10,370 (Texas Forest Service (TFS) and local fire departments (FD)
• 841 (TFS)
• 9,529 (FD)