TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — Austin Fire and Travis County Fire Rescue have increased staffing levels as they closely monitor weather patterns, with conditions deemed ripe for potential wildfires.

Chris Dibrell of Austin Fire’s Wildfire Division described the situation as “one of those events when the holes in the Swiss cheese align.” A sign outside an Austin fire station displayed Wednesday’s fire danger as “extreme.”

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Dibrell noted that wind gusts could reach 30 miles per hour or higher, and moisture readings in local vegetation are alarmingly low.

“That gives us information that those trees are ready to burn. They’re available to catch fire fairly easy,” he said.

Travis County Fire and Rescue Chief Ken Bailey emphasized the threat posed by high winds, stating, “This can outpace our resources, which is why we try to add additional resources and front load these incidents.”

Bailey highlighted the collaboration between the county and city, utilizing resources, “For example, we use Starflight quite a bit for airdrops. (3:18) Most people don’t realize that we can also use Air One, which is APD’s helicopter, if need be.”

Bailey said if needed, state resources in and around Travis County could be available as well.

Bailey stressed the urgency of the situation: “With the winds like this, it’s a time game. You know, the faster we stop it, the better off it is.” Dibrell added that brush truck units have been deployed and are ready to respond to any calls.

Dibrell says there are a number of things those living in more urban areas can do to help keep the wildfire risk low.

“On the day of an event like this, the immediate thing is don’t do anything that might actually cause a fire. Don’t burn anything outside,” he said.

Dibrell added a small spark could set off a fire and with winds blowing could help spread such fire.

“And so understanding embers is the biggest spreader of wildfire into the urban environment, and we know how to defend against that,” he said.

You can request a structural ignition zone evaluation, which is a home hardening assessment done for free. For that, you can call 311, or click here.