Notice to Oil & Gas and Pipeline Operators

Critical Fire Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, elevated fire weather conditions are forecast for parts of Texas today due to dry fuels, strong winds and above-average temperatures. The weather pattern is setting up for critical fire weather conditions across the High Plains, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Bend and West Texas regions midweek, particularly on Tuesday, when wind gusts, daytime heating and low relative humidity could significantly increase wildfire risk. This heightened fire danger is expected to last at least through the latter half of the week.

Multiple counties have issued outdoor burn ban orders. A map of burn bans can be found at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/Burnbans/. 

Current wildfire status: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) advises all operators under the RRC’s jurisdiction in
areas of potential impact to take the following actions:

• Monitor local, state and national weather reports for updates on wildfire danger;
• Heed all watches, warnings and orders issued by local emergency officials;
• Secure all personnel, equipment and facilities to prevent injury or damage; and
• Monitor and prepare operations for potential impacts, as safety permits.

The RRC maintains a 24-hour, toll-free emergency line, 844-773-0305, to report emergencies, including leaks or spills and damage to gas pipelines. 

Operators can find weather information, including the latest NWS updates, on the RRC’s Weather Emergency Resources page at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/weather. 

To view the full notice, visit the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/iclduzre/2172026-notice-to-operators-critical-fire-conditions-in-texas.pdf.