High winds this past weekend fueled nearly 60 wildfires throughout Texas to our north, south, east and west, consuming more than 1,000 homes and causing hundreds to flee.

Thankfully, Waco has been spared devastating fires, sans a few area grass and brush fires. Yet we must be ever-vigilant and avoid hazards that could cause our dry land to ignite at any moment. Heed burn bans, extinguish cigarettes in moving vehicles and avoid activities that could spark fires.

The closest big fire to our area erupted in Cedar Ridge, where 1,400 acres burned in Bosque County. That fire was nearly contained Tuesday but forced many homeowners to evacuate on Labor Day. The fire is thought to have been caused by a barbecue smoker being pulled down Farm Road 2114 on Saturday, the Bosque County Sheriff’s Office said.

If so, that’s an example of just the type of bone-headed carelessness we all need to avoid. Drought conditions are the worst our state has seen in 60 years. There’s no need to agitate the situation by hauling, say, smoking-hot equipment down country roads.

Once blazes begin, they prove difficult to snuff out. Solid evidence: the fire at nearby Fort Hood, where 3,700 acres have burned despite the Army’s very best efforts to stop it.

To our southern neighbors in Bastrop County, where 600 homes have burned, we extend our sympathy. The apocalyptic- like video images coming out of that area have us wishing and praying for rain and relief. The situation there is so dire even retired firefighters have been pressed into service.

We’re grateful to volunteers and shelters rendering aid, as well as firefighters battling intense heat and asphyxiating conditions. To homeowners, we urge caution. Evacuate promptly when advised. As Gov. Rick Perry wisely notes, “As cherished as homes and possessions may be, they’re not worth losing your life over.” We also suggest all carry fire insurance. It’s relatively inexpensive but can save one’s livelihood. Also, homeowners would be wise to purchase fire-retardant chemicals to spray on their residential structures.

One fire retardant product developed by a firefighter in Florida, called Barricade Fire Blocking Gel, has been selling like — well, like wildfire — with dozens of orders shipped to Austin-area residents, the company tells us. About 4 gallons will coat a 2,000-square-foot home for less than $350 and offer days of protection. If unneeded, the slimy material washes clean with a hose and isn’t damaging.

Such precautions could save our most valuable assets. As citizens, we must do all we can to fight fire rather than leaving the job solely to our terribly overburdened firefighters.