The following information was provided by Terry County Emergency Management Director Mitch McElroy as received from Glen Stapleton, Team Safety Officer, Texas Forest Service. Please, Terry County, be safe!

Extreme rates of fire spread:

• Fast moving fire that can change direction due to wind shifts
• Stay away from the frontal passage of the fire
• Always maintain an escape route leading to a safety zone
• Have multiple escape routes, if possible
• Possible safety zones may include ball fields, recreation areas bare of trees, large fields, airports, areas previously burned, etc. 
• Avoid locating safety zones and escape routes downwind from the fire

 Fire Suppression activities:

• Dozers loading and unloading along roadways
• Dozers operating around gas and oil lines
• Heavy equipment operating in vicinity
  • Approach from side after clearance from operator
  • Stay two or more car lengths away from the front and rear of the equipment
• Aviation resources – Remain aware of fixed winged aircraft and helicopters making retardant and water drops – low flying helicopter rotor wash can spread fire all directions.
• Poor visibility on roadways due to heavy smoke.
• First responders and firefighting apparatus
• Various hazardous materials and toxic substances can be present.

 Fire Frontal Passage:

• Exploding oil and gas lines and associated poison gases
• Gas line vents igniting
• Exploding propane tanks
• Other combustibles and hazardous/toxic materials and combustibles
• Down power lines
• Falling trees (during or after fire passage)
• Lack of contact with other responders
• Worse case scenario—seek shelter with structural fire engines
• Lights and flashers on at all times
• Delayed explosions or fire flare ups.  Stay alert for secondary developments after the main fire front has passed.