LONGVIEW, Texas — Wildfires continue to rage throughout the state and Longview firefighters are being sent to help fight the flames.
Texas A&M Forest Service says in the past week, nearly 200 fires have scorched the lone star state.
Alex Bregenzer, Texas A&M Forest Service State Operations, Public Information Officer said this year is "very, very active and very very unusual."
He says the weather plays a massive role:
"We're seeing critically dry fuels throughout the state," Bregenzer said. "And that's leading to really rapid rate of spread coupled with those wind conditions."
As a result, hundreds of firefighters across the state have been activated to fight the flames, including ones from the Longview Fire Department.
The first four were activated March 15 to West Texas. Longview Fire Marshal, Kevin May sayid the four firefighters planned on a seven-day trip, but because of the "continuation in the drought condition, they ended up doing a complete 14 Day assignment".
May said the department sent four more guys to replace the first group of firefighters. They are now working to put out the Borrega Fire just outside of Kingsville.
May said compared to the rest of the state, East Texas isn't nearly as dry but said it's best to air on the side of caution.
The Fire Marshal said Longview is under a burn ban currently and recommends residents to not burn during this time.