The Texas Forest Service reports it has responded to 61 fires for 1,710 acres in the last seven days, including one large fire that consumed 750 acres in Erath County.

Hot, dry conditions continue to plague extreme South Texas, said Dr. Ruben Saldana, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service district administrator in Weslaco.

“The Lower Rio Grande Valley is in a rainfall deficit for the year,” Saldana said. “There’s no rain in the forecast,and temperatures are predicted to again reach triple digits in some parts of the Valley this Fourth of July weekend.”

Since recording its first triple-digit reading in late February, McAllen has hit or surpassed the 100-degree mark at least a dozen times, which mark the city's second-warmest temperatures on record, according to the National Weather Service.

Burn bans have been established in 138 counties by county judges and/or county commissioner’s courts, up from 83 a month ago. A list of counties with burn bans can be found at: http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/wildfires/decban.png .

Despite a burn ban in Hidalgo County, Tony Pena, the county’s fire marshal and emergency services coordinator, has decided against imposing a fireworks ban because they can be easily bought in Mexico.

“We’re urging citizens to use caution when using fireworks, but it is people dropping matches and burning trash without permits that cause more fires on a daily basis,” Pena said.

It is illegal to set off fireworks within 5,000 feet of city limits in most municipalities in Hidalgo County, he added.

The Texas Forest Service warns that carelessness with fireworks and other outdoor activities can lead to a wildfire, especially with summer in full swing, and grasses, shrubs and trees drying out.

“Many Texans use fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Mark Stanford, the Forest Service’s fire operations chief. “TFS encourages Texans to use fireworks safely. Citizens should be diligent in protecting themselves and their property from accidental wildfires.”

Sandra Taylor, a fire-prevention specialist with the Forest Service, said fireworks can accidentally ignite homes and structures.

“Fireworks should only be used under close adult supervision and in safe areas, away from grass and brush,” said Taylor. “A water hose, bucket of water and wet towels should be kept nearby in case they are needed to stop small fires. Used fireworks should be disposed of in a bucket of water.”

More tips and information on preparing for and cleaning up after wildfires are available on the Texas Extension Disaster Education Network Web site at http://texasEDEN.tamu.edu