Is Dalhart fireproof?
With smoke still swirling across the Panhandle, the big question on many peoples’ minds is, “Are we safe from wildfire in our area?” According to Dalhart Fire Chief Mario Garcia, the answer is “Mostly.”
“Anything can happen at any time,” he said, but conditions are much different here than where fire is still burning in the Central and Eastern Panhandle. “The huge difference is the terrain. There they have very large canyons and rock outcroppings, so they can’t get to the fire to put it out. We’re flat, but their rises are hundreds of feet tall and their canyons are hundreds of feet deep. And when fire moves uphill it burns very rapidly and at much higher temperatures.”
Another major difference, Garcia said, is that his crew works to be proactive when it comes to firefighting. “We have professional code enforcement to prevent fuel load in the city. That’s why people get notices to cut their weeds; it’s so that they don’t dry out and catch fire,” Garcia explained. “We’ll also hold controlled burns later in the month around the outside of town.” Known as a Backburn Operation, the controlled burns are held after recent rain and in low-wind conditions and are wellmanned and well-advertised in advance.
There are precautions individuals can take to minimize the potential for fire, Garcia said. The most important is to always make sure that cigarettes are completely extinguished before discarding them. Keep yards free of tall grass, weeds and clutter. Be careful about placement when burning candles in your home or at work; don’t place them near paper, curtains or anything else flammable. Don’t overload electric outlets or extension cords, and never plug large appliances into an extension cord long-term.
“With the time change this weekend, it’s the perfect time for people to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Garcia stated. “And in these weather conditions, just keep your head on a swivel; be aware of smoke and whatever else is going on.” He also reminded that controlled burns, other than those used for cooking, are not allowed inside city limits.
Even though there hasn’t been a fire in town, the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department has kept busy recently assisting other departments, including Stinnett, Dumas and Fritch. Fortunately, a recent recruiting drive helped boost their team to 34, up from just 19 two months ago. More people are always needed, though, and anyone interested in volunteering is urged to pick up an application at the Fire Department, 110 Denrock Avenue, or at City Hall, 2055 Rock Island Drive.
Garcia said that many people don’t realize how small or tightly budgeted many small-town fire departments are. “I know some departments that run on $20,000 a year,” he said. “That’s for their fuel, utilities at the station, fire gear – which can cost $6,000 – everything. If they ruin a tire going out to a fire site, or burn a fire hose, or cut their gear, it really hurts them.” In most small towns, of course, fire fighters are all volunteers.
Garcia suggested that people who want to assist contact the Panhandle Fireman’s and Fire Marshall’s Association, which has a fund to assist such affected fire departments. “I understand that the fire victims need assistance, but the fire departments do, too. And this is their only source of assistance.” Contributions to the Panhandle Fireman’s and Fire Marshall’s Association Disaster Relief Fund can be mailed to: PFFMA; PO Box 32413; Amarillo TX 79120. Be sure to write Disaster Relief Fund in the memo.
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