AUSTIN, Texas — The devastating July 4 floods created an explosive amount of vegetation growth. With many weeks without rain, the soil and grass have quickly dried out, making it easy to spark a fire.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown have issued disaster declarations following Gov. Greg Abbott renewing the statewide disaster declaration due to elevated fire weather conditions. According to the City of Austin, disaster declarations allow governments to begin implementing mitigation efforts and organize behind the scenes to prepare for the response and recovery phases, if a disaster does occur.
On Monday, both city and county leaders held a press conference to discuss wildfire danger. Firefighters assured a response plan is in place as central Texas has now become one of the areas at highest risk for wildfires.
“We have a fleet of five dozers that we can respond to, within minutes within Travis County. So again, we’re working together. We’re prepared, we’re ready…,” said Ken Bailey, fire chief of Travis County Fire Rescue.
Bailey said that while his crews are ready, they want community members to be prepared as well. The City of Austin said that 90% of wildfires are caused by human activities.
What you can do to avoid sparking a wildfire
Do not park or drive vehicles on dry, tall grass or on the shoulder of roadways.
Do not throw cigarette butts out car windows. Always properly dispose of smoking paraphernalia.
When towing a trailer, ensure tow chains are properly secured and not left hanging low enough to drag on the pavement. This could cause sparks and ignite a wildfire.
If cooking outdoors, only use smokers and grills on hard, flat surfaces like concrete or pavement. Do not use charcoal grills or smokers in windy conditions.
How to protect your home
Clean out your gutters of any leaves or other debris.
Clear dried leaves and vegetation within 5 feet of your home. This is called a “defensible space.”
Trim tree limbs to at least 10 feet from your home.
Keep flammable furniture and other items away from your home or move them indoors to a garage or storage shed.
Harden your home against wildfire risk by using noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials for your decks and balconies, roofs, eaves, vents, walls and fencing, windows and doors.
Request a free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation (SIZE) from the Austin Fire Department. During a SIZE, a trained wildfire adviser will walk the exterior of your home with you to offer guidance about how to strengthen the residence against wildfire. The adviser also discusses evacuation and preparatory actions to take when conditions are favorable for wildfires. Assessments are confidential.
Central Texas is not the only area impacted by wildfire risk. Several parts of the state are facing a threat, including the Panhandle and South Texas.
To see what other areas are at high risk, click here.