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Wildfire activity increases west of I-35

February 23, 2022 - 05:00
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  • Wildfire activity increases west of I-35

Blustery winds and freeze-dried vegetation are increasing the number of wildfires reported west of Interstate 35 and into South Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS)

“Wildfire activity has increased across the state and is driven by underlying drought and above-normal grass production from last year’s growing season,” said Wes Moorehead, TFS fire chief. “We have increased the number of personnel, equipment and aircraft in state to assist with response as we’re concerned about large areas of the state.”

Since February 14, local and state firefighters have responded to 91 wildfires that burned 7,312 acres.

Nine out of 10 wildfires in the state are caused by humans, according to TFS, which has fully staffed task forces and fire-suppression equipment staged in Victoria, Kingsville, Childress, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Burkburnett, Fredericksburg, Smithville, McGregor, San Angelo and Mineral Wells.

Number of imprisoned Texans stays steady

After a drop last year when some inmates were released due to COVID-19 concerns, the state’s prison population has stayed steady, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TCDJ). As of January, 118,733 adults were in Texas prisons, up about 1,000 from a year ago.

The state’s total operating capacity is 129,681 beds, according to TDCJ.

Cancer prevention grants

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announced 74 new cancer research and prevention grants totaling more than $112 million.

“The grants awarded today illustrate the broad spectrum of CPRIT’s impact in the fight against cancer,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT’s chief executive officer. “From recruitment awards bringing topflight researchers to Texas, continued investment in cancer prevention and screening programs across the state and supporting cancer-fighting innovation in early-stage companies, Texas just took another major step forward in becoming a national leader in conquering cancer.”

The projects approved include 65 academic research grant awards, seven prevention awards, and two product development research awards, which were granted to 16 institutions and companies across the state. The awards are designed to expand access to clinical trials, incubate innovative cancer research, support the state’s emerging biotechnology industry, provide needed cancer screenings for underserved Texans and recruit outstanding cancer researchers to Texas, according to the news release.

UTSA, Baylor gain Tier One academic ranking

The University of Texas at San Antonio and Baylor University have earned the national research ranking of Carnegie Tier One, joining nine other Texas universities that have been recognized for academic excellence at doctoral universities with “very high research activity.”

In addition, Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Tarleton State University and The University of Texas at Tyler have earned Tier Two research rankings for “high research activity.”

“The Lone Star State is truly brimming with promise,” Gov. Greg Abbot said. “The 22 Texas universities now ranked among the best in the nation as Carnegie Tier One and Tier Two research universities are a reflection of the breadth and depth of academic excellence at our institutions of higher education as they open the doors to opportunity for all Texas students.”

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education was developed in 1970. It is based on an institution’s annual research expenditures and other factors.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30- year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.