The Austin Fire Department wants residents to be ready in times of high fire danger.

AUSTIN, Texas — When weather conditions combine low humidity and high winds with dry vegetation, Central Texas can often deal with very high to extreme wildfire danger. 

During these events, the Austin Fire Department wants residents to be mindful of day-to-day activities that could cause sparks or ignite flames. Here are the department’s top tips for high-risk wildfire days. 


1. Be attentive and mindful

During high-risk wildfire conditions, it is best to be extra careful when outdoors interacting with dry vegetation. Activities include: 

Parking on dry grass Mowing the lawn Weed-wacking WeldingGrilling or cooking outdoorsDisposing of cigarette butts

These can cause friction and create sparks. High winds carry sparks away and can cause grass/brush fires in neighboring areas. 


2. Have a way to receive alerts

In this day and age, there are a variety of ways to get alerts about wildfires and stay connected. Here is a list of resources and links:

KVUE can also bring you the latest fire information. Download the KVUE app for free and set up notifications. 


3. Prepare ahead of time

If you are concerned about wildfire issues around your property, you can set up a meeting with the Austin Fire Department any time online. You can check your neighborhood’s risk for wildfire and set up a Structure Ignition Zone Evaluation (SIZE) for your home, free of cost. 

In many wildfire events, high winds are a factor. Securing decorations and loose objects around your property can be helpful. 

If you see a wildfire, the Austin Fire Department urges you to call 911, unless the fire is quite small and can be extinguished by a garden hose or bucket of water.