Happy New Year! Something to keep an eye on to start the year is the chance of wildfire quickly spreading our area.

As you know last month, we had some unseasonably high temperatures and it does look like some rain is in the forecast for this Thursday in Wichita Falls. However, Wichita Falls has had fairly dry conditions for several weeks.  The National Interagency Fire Center just released their predictions for areas they're keeping an eye on to start the year and Wichita Falls is right in the middle of it.

Wildfire Outlook for January 2026

Wildfire Outlook for February 2026

Wildfire Outlook for March 2026

As you can see the first three months of the year they're keeping an eye on Wichita Falls every month. Thankfully in April, the fire potential is only located in Florida for that month. However, the next few months you should be doing your part to ensure fires are not spreading in our area.

What Should You Do During a Wildfire in Wichita Falls?

• Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
• Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so!
  • Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
  • Consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them where you may be safer and more comfortable.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
• Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure to smoke by doing the following:
  • Choose a room to close off from the outside air and set up a portable air cleaner or filter to keep the air in this room clean even when it's smoky in the rest of the building and outdoors.
  • Use high-efficiency filters in your central air conditioning system to capture fine particles from smoke.
  • If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.

You can get more information on the City of Wichita Falls website.