BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and several emergency services agencies described the county’s current weather situation as a “serious public safety concern” regarding possible wildfire risks.
Sakai and the heads of Bexar County’s Emergency Services Districts (ESDs), Office of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal’s Office held a press conference Wednesday morning to discuss preparedness efforts and issue advisories to residents.
A mix of dry air and gusty winds has created an “extreme” fire danger this afternoon, according to KSAT’s meteorologists.
>> Thursday forecast: Fire danger today, then a COLD Thursday morning
The increased weather concerns were top of mind during the press conference.
“It’s important to recognize that we must all come together and work together to protect all of us, especially the unincorporated areas,” Sakai said. “Our top priority is keeping residents and first responders safe and secure.”
You can watch the full Wednesday morning press conference in the video player below:
Sakai said the county had two strike teams on “heightened alert” to respond promptly to potential fires. The teams are composed of a mix of ESD personnel from the eastern and western parts of Bexar County.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office issued a red flag warning until 7 p.m. Wednesday. The warning asks residents to consider the following while the order is in effect:
- Avoid outdoor burning
- Do not park vehicles on dry grass
- Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground
- Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks
Kevin Clarkson, fire chief for Bexar County ESD No. 7, called the conditions on Wednesday a “recipe for disaster,” urging residents to adhere to the red flag warning guidelines.
Bexar County commissioners also approved an extension of an already in place county-wide burn ban. The ban is in effect until Feb. 9, 2026.
Michael Moreland, deputy chief with the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management, said its emergency operations center was partially activated at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
“We’re in consistent communication with local, regional and state resources across the state of Texas,” Moreland said.
Moreland said updates will be sent out over social media. He asked Bexar County residents to monitor their cell phones for possible emergency activation notices.
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