AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued disaster declarations on Monday in response to heightened wildfire risks, following Gov. Greg Abbott’s renewal of a statewide disaster declaration.
“Austin now ranks fifth in the nation in number of homes facing wildfire risk,” Watson said during a press conference on Monday.
Last Friday, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a disaster declaration as a precautionary measure while burn bans remain in effect across the region.
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The declaration allows public safety workers to track expenses and facilitates potential reimbursement from federal or state governments if a wildfire occurs.
Jim Reddick, Austin Emergency Management Director, emphasized the importance of community preparedness, noting that “90% of wildfires are caused by human activities.” He urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
Austin Emergency Management is collaborating with public safety partners to update emergency plans and revamp the All-Hazards Protective Action Plan. The Austin Fire Department has redesigned the Wildfire Hub to educate the community on wildfire risks and prevention.
Residents are advised to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, such as parking on dry grass or improperly disposing of cigarette butts. Homeowners can reduce wildfire risk by creating defensible spaces and using noncombustible materials for home exteriors.
The Austin Fire Department offers free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluations to help residents strengthen their homes against wildfire threats. For more information, visit the Wildfire Hub and ReadyCentralTexas.org.