Wildfires, which often occur in dry summer conditions, can spread rapidly through vegetation. They may start as small fires on the forest floor and gain speed when they reach tree canopies, with dense smoke being a key early warning sign.

Wildfires can begin from unnoticed sources like improperly extinguished campfires, discarded cigarettes, burning debris, or arson. Texas has experienced a rise in wildfires over the past 30 years, including wildland fires fueled by natural vegetation and interface fires where urban and wildland areas overlap