Killeen firefighters deploy to assist in multiple wildfires across Texas

KILLEEN, Texas (Aug. 29, 2024) - Killeen Fire Department firefighters are deployed to areas across the state to assist in battling wildfires and assisting crews in disaster services.

Five Killeen firefighters are now in the middle of a 14-day joint operation deployment, including one strike team leader, three wildland firefighters with a rush truck and one hand crew wildland firefighter.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that crews across the state have responded to more than half a dozen wildfires that have burned through more than 5,000 acres in the North Art Complex fire in Mason County, as well as the counties of Bastrop, Jones, Callahan, Throckmorton, San Saba, Shackleford and Randall. The agency confirms that the largest fire was caused by lightning strikes that began as several separate, small fires and merged.

Residents can help us prevent wildfires by checking local weather and drought conditions, extinguishing flames properly and keeping vehicles off dry grass.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reminds citizens that with dove hunting season beginning over the Labor Day holiday weekend, it is important to practice extreme caution outdoors. Hot and dry conditions in August have resulted in increased wildfire activity across North and Northwest Texas. Even with increased moisture in the forecast, objects like grass are still prone to catching fire.

The crewmembers names are Battalion Chief Cory Davis, Captain Marcus Stillwell, Captain Matt Phillips, Fire Rescue Officer Charlie Layton, and Fire Rescue Officer Chris Hartwell.

*Photo credit:Texas A&M Forest Service