The Texas A&M Forest Service is pleading with hunters not to unintentionally start a wildfire.
The Forest Service has responded to over 1,000 wildfires covering over 300,000 acres this year alone.
"The rapid onset of a flash drought increased fire occurrence and intensity statewide in August," said Texas A&M Forest Service fire analyst Walter Flocke. "Under flash drought conditions, grasses, brush and timber fuels lose moisture rapidly and become susceptible to ignition."
The Forest Service says about 90% of wildfires are started by people and many of those are caused by all-terrain vehicles.
As hunting season begins this fall, they are asking people not to drive or park on dry grass or to leave a cooking fire unattended.
They are also strongly encouraging people to be aware of local burn bans.
Always keep a shovel and water at a camp site and carry a fire extinguisher on ATVs and UTVs.
