Wildfires scorch 88,000 acres in West Texas

Wildfires sweeping across West Texas destroyed dozens of homes, the Associated Press reported, forcing evacuations and closing an interstate after heavy smoke caused a fatal accident Sunday.Winds driving the fire were not expected to lessen overnight.

The fires blackened almost 88,000 acres and destroyed 58 homes from the Texas Panhandle to the southern plains. Heavy smoke from a wildfire near Midland, about 330 miles west of Dallas, was blamed for an eight-vehicle accident along Interstate 20 that killed a 5-year-old girl. The roadway was shrouded in smoke when a tractor-trailer hit the pickup truck she was riding in, said Trooper John Barton of the Texas Department of Public Safety. A man and another child were injured.

One firefighter suffered second-degree burns fighting a blaze near Colorado City, about 250 miles west of Dallas, but no other injuries were immediately reported. The largest fire burned about 30,000 acres in the Panhandle northeast of Amarillo, destroying 27 homes and damaging seven others, Kearney said.

If you are camping anywhere around the hill country, be extremely careful with campfires as the windy conditions can pick up a spark and set the dry brush into a wildfire in short order.

RVers wanted as park hosts in Texas State Parks

RVers are always in demand as park hosts at Texas State Parks. Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement park staff and serve as a representative of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Hosts greet campers and give assistance to park visitors and park staff. Here is information about park host positions and how to get them.

Where do Hosts serve?
More than fifty State Parks have Host positions available. These parks are located throughout the state in a variety of scenic settings. Most parks have opportunities for fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other recreational activities. Each park has its own unique features and special qualities.

When are Hosts needed?
The use of Park Hosts depends on the visitation at each park. Hosts are used seasonally in some, and at all times of the year in others. Hosts usually serve a minimum of one month; this may be extended with the approval of the Park Superintendent. Texas State Park Host Locations.

What are the duties of a Host?
The primary duty of the Park Host is to assist park visitors by providing information. Hosts will need to become familiar with park regulations and points of interest in and near the park. Hosts may also be asked to perform duties such as litter collection and light maintenance. Hosts will serve about 25 hours per week and be given days when they will not be on duty. In addition, as a representative of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Hosts should maintain their campsite in an orderly manner. Hosts will not perform law enforcement duties.

It's easy to volunteer
As full-time volunteers, all camping and entrance fees are waived for park hosts. Host sites have water and electrical hookups, and many furnish sewer hookups as well. Hosts will be trained by park staff, and uniform items are provided to identify them as park volunteers.

How do I get started?
Submit completed "State Parks Volunteer Application" and "Authorization and Consent for Disclosure of Criminal History Information" forms. Completed forms can be submitted to the parks of interest, or can be submitted to the contact listed below for distribution to the parks. Park staff is responsible for scheduling. Information regarding current and future availabilities can be obtained by contacting the park of interest
or
Lori Reiley
TPWD - State Parks Division
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, Tx. 78744-3291
512-389-4746 (phone) 512-389-4895 (fax)
Lori.Reiley@tpwd.state.tx.us

No license needed to fish in a Texas State Park

Here's some great news for Texas residents and perhaps even better news for out of state visitors. You don't need a fishing license to fish in a Texas State Park. For non-resident RVers who often are only licensed back home, this is a great benefit of staying at a Texas State Park.

Texas Parks abd Wildlife has waived the normal fishing license and stamp requirements for anyone fishing inside a park's boundary. Once the park entry fee is paid, there no need for a fishing license or stamp, whether freshwater or saltwater, adult or child, as long as the fishing is done inside the state park. However, bag limits, length limits, and other regulations will still apply, and be enforced.

This applies to fishing from the bank, a pier, river or creek fishing, and fishing from a boat, if the water body is fully contained within the state park boundary. Anglers can even wadefish in coastal state parks along park property.

The Free Fishing in State Parks program is available at more than 50 state parks and many Wildlife Management Areas across Texas. There are also fishing events throughout the year to add to the excitement — from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks even provide loaner equipment and bait.