Wildfire Risk in Dallam County

A Dallam County grass fire does not need trees to get serious. In February 2017, NWS Amarillo logged strong winds across the western Panhandles. Gusts reached near 60 mph, and afternoon humidity fell to about 8 to 12 percent. The first fire that day was east of Dalhart in a wheat field.

That is the local lesson: dry fuel plus wind can move fast across open ground. Before you burn brush, use fireworks, or weld outside, check the county and Texas A&M Forest Service. The Forest Service says a county judge or commissioners court can limit outdoor burning during drought.

For a house, barn, or shop, treat wildfire like hail: ask the insurance agent what is covered, what the deductible is, and what happens if wind-driven fire reaches the property. NWS Amarillo's Dallam County page is also the live doorway for hazard and fire-weather alerts.