Dry Conditions and Increased Vegetation set Stage for Higher Wildfire Risk in Texas
January 16, 2026 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Wildfire activity across the state is expected to increase this winter and spring as above-normal vegetation dries and becomes highly flammable.
The dormant wildfire season, which occurs during winter and spring, is typically characterized by fire activity that occurs in freeze-cured grasses and increased wind speeds associated with passing dry cold fronts.
Above-normal grass growth across much of Texas in 2025 will support increased wildfire potential into early spring 2026.
Areas along and west of Interstate 35, including the High Plains, Rolling Plains and Southern Plains, have heavy grass loads that could support large, hard-to-control fires under dry and windy conditions. Exceptional grass loading in the Hill Country and Cross Timbers poses similar risks, while South Texas and the Lower Gulf Coast remain lower threat until grasses freeze-cure.
Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire response has trended 136% above normal from October 2025 through mid-January 2026, with agency personnel responding to 434 wildfires that burned 11,425 acres during this period.
“Wildfire activity has increased across the state, driven by underlying drought conditions and above normal grass production from last year’s growing season,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “With a La Niña climate pattern forecasted, Texas is expected to experience more conditions that favor wildfire activity more often.”
The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a La Niña pattern for early 2026, bringing warmer and drier-than-normal conditions to much of Texas from January through March. These conditions are also expected to increase wildfire risk during the dormant fire season.
“We are closely monitoring the increased likelihood of wildfire effective weather in Texas, including conditions associated with Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “These outbreak events have historically resulted in multiple large, high impact wildfires that can be difficult to contain and are an immediate threat to public and firefighter safety.”
Since 2005, wildfires that ignite under Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak conditions represent only 3% of reported wildfires but have accounted for 49% of the total acres burned. Under these conditions, grasses dry rapidly and become highly flammable where even a small spark can ignite a wildfire that spreads rapidly.
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human caused. Texas residents are encouraged to stay wildfire aware. Avoid outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire during warm, dry and windy conditions. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/
View the 2026 Dorman Fire Season Outlook: https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/PredictiveServices/Outlooks/TAMFS_2026_DormantFireSeasonOutlook.pdf
To stay current with fire environment conditions and fire potential, visit the weekly Texas Fire Potential Update at https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/PredictiveServices/Outlooks/texas_fire_potential_update.pdf
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Teachers Could Benefit From Voucher Program Soon
January 16, 2026 – Teachers and educators across Texas may soon find new income opportunities through the state’s Education Savings Account program, often referred to as school vouchers, passed by the Legislature. The program allows families to use state-funded education dollars for approved services outside traditional public schools, opening the door for educators to participate as paid vendors.
Under the program, teachers and education professionals can apply to become approved service providers offering a wide range of educational support. Eligible services include academic tutoring, curriculum development and support, special education services, and certain mental and behavioral health supports tied to student learning. Providers may work independently or through small businesses, giving educators flexibility to serve students directly.
Supporters say the program empowers teachers by allowing them to use their expertise beyond the classroom while giving parents more options to customize their child’s education. For educators, it creates a pathway to earn additional income or transition into education-focused entrepreneurship without leaving the profession entirely.
Teachers with experience in special education, intervention services, or subject-specific tutoring are expected to be in high demand. Mental health professionals with education credentials may also qualify to provide services addressing learning-related challenges, particularly for students with disabilities.
To participate, educators must meet state requirements, complete the vendor application process, and comply with program guidelines related to services, documentation, and accountability. Payments would come directly from Education Savings Account funds allocated to participating families.
Critics argue the program could divert resources from public schools, while supporters counter that it expands opportunities for both families and educators. As the program rolls out, state officials expect thousands of vendors to apply, signaling a significant shift in how education services are delivered in Texas.
For many teachers, the voucher program represents a chance to reach students in new ways while being compensated for specialized skills developed over years in the classroom.
CEA Mario Villarino Had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey Again
January 16, 2026 – Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez recently visited on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Mario and John Mark chatted about the importance of volunteers. Mario Villarino shared that those who would like to volunteer as a Master Gardener can get started with an online training session being held January 29th, 2026. John Mark and Mario also talked about the 4H program, and the opportunity to be a part of the program with a shooting sport training session being held the weekend of January 17th, 2026, in Canton, Texas. The two also talked about the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, where it’s located, and how you can contact the office. Be sure to check out this interesting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey below and learn what your AgriLife Extension Office has in store for the winter.
Learn About the “Little Ducky’s Book Pond” Event Being Held January 17th on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
January 15, 2026 – Learn about the “Little Ducky’s Book Pond” event taking place Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Book Nook on Main, downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas, on this charming episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Sharon Feldt, owner of the Book Nook on Main, visited with John Mark to share info. about “Little Ducky’s Book Pond,” which begins at 11:30am Saturday, (the 17th). John Mark and Sharon also talked about the book, Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer, the statistics on the number of children that enjoy reading today, and much more. Don’t miss this informative episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey.
Sulphur Springs Texas City Wide Spring Clean Up Scheduled for the Week of April 13th
January 15, 2026 – The city of Sulphur Springs, Texas, has scheduled the next city wide Spring Clean Up for April 13th through April 18th, 2026. One will have to show a valid driver’s license or water bill as proof of city residency. You will be able to take your unwanted items to a location half a mile East of the four way stop at Jefferson Street (HWY 67) and Loop 301.
2 Gala Photo Releases
January 15, 2026 – Proceeds from the event on January 24 will help fund the surgical services expansion of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. This expansion will double the number of operating rooms and increase the footprint to 19,000 sf. The new surgical suites will be larger and accommodate the latest technology, including the capacity to facilitate robotic surgical systems. To learn more, visit SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
In addition to their sponsorship, John has donated a rare Rossi “Billy the Kid” engraved Rifle with 250 rounds of ammo. Only 500 of this particular model were made. The rifle is paired in the Live Auction Outlaw Package with a whiskey tasting for 8 people donated by Dr. Martin Fielder and his company WhiskeyDink, LLC, and hosted at Clementine & Co.
The Outlaw Package is available in the 100 for $100 Raffle. Only 100 tickets will be sold at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com, each for $100. Winner does not need to be present on January 24 to win.
Gala Photo Release: Wound Evolution – Tyler
January 15, 2026 – There is one way to win a Live Auction item without attending. The 100 for $100 Raffle offers your choice of select Live Auction items featuring packages such as a trip to Cabo, Montana Fly Fishing, private dinner party packages, and many more fabulous items. Only 100 tickets will be sold, each for $100. The winner will be drawn during the Gala. Get yours while they are still available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Gala Photo Release: Grocery Supply Company
January 15, 2026 – As longtime Foundation supporters since the beginning in 1997, the McKenzie family is a great example of the lasting community partnerships that have bolstered the success of the Gala over the past twenty years. Cheers to many more years of improving local healthcare and cheers to January 24!
Gala Photo Release: Alliance Bank
January 15, 2026 -January 24 will include fabulous silent and live auctions, a delectable catered dinner, and dancing with a live band—all to thank the donors, sponsors, and volunteers who have made it all possible. Tickets are sold out, but certain items from the Live Auction and all items from the Silent Auction can be won online at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. Proceeds will contribute to the surgical services expansion of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Gala Photo Release – Omega Hydration and Wellness
January 15, 2026 – The 20th Anniversary Gala will help fund the surgical services expansion of the local nonprofit hospital CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. For more information, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about the expansion, visit SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
