Signs warn of fire dangers

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials are hopeful that the public will heed warning signs at area wildlife refuges notifying the public of potential fire dangers.

Earlier this month, the federal agency placed color-coded warnings signs at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Laguna Atascosa Refuge and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge alerting visitors to the possible fire danger. The signs are in English and Spanish.

The wildlife refuges are home to an array of plants and animals, including endangered species such as the ocelot and jaguarundi.

The color-coded designations are: green for a low risk of fire, blue for moderate risk, yellow for high risk, orange for a very high risk, and red for an extreme fire risk.

"Often people don't realize there is fire danger or are not aware that a burn ban is in effect. So, we are hoping these signs will reach more of the public and ultimately protect more lives, homes and property," said Patrick Pearson, fire management officer for the wildlife service in the Valley. "This is as much about creating public awareness as anything and when folks travel through an area it ensures they know there is a potential for fire."

The Fish and Wildlife Service will also place county burn ban notices on permanent fire warning signs, to alert people when burn bans for certain counties are in effect. Burn bans are currently in effect in Cameron and Hidalgo counties.

Laguna Atascosa is comprised of 45,000 acres of land and is near Rio Hondo. It is home to ocelots, alligators, javelina and more than a hundred species of birds.

The Santa Ana refuge, seven miles south of Alamo, sits on 2,088 acres and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including bobcats and 400 varieties of birds.