Wildfire!

        Austin has a high risk of wildfire. Don't think forest fire; its dry grass and brush that are the potential fire danger in our area. Very flammable junipers (locally called "cedars") with their volatile oils are an additional fire danger. Alternating wet and dry conditions first encourage strong growth followed by tall dry grass and heavy dry brush. Strong winds and a careless ember do the rest.
        Wildfires can happen year round in Austin but the winter is particularly dangerous. Grass & brush growth is tall from the summer growing time. Often this growth is dry from our August heat. Next, winter brings strong wind ahead of passing storm fronts.
        Drought conditions anytime are also very dangerous for wildfire outbreaks. Drought conditions particularly paired with high winds can make containing and extinguishing a wildfire very difficult.
         The parts of Austin, the so called "Urban / Rural Interface," at the edge of town adjoining wild lands, are at particular risk.

Tips to help keep your house safe from Wildfire!

1. Keep the area near your house clear of tall grass and brush - at least 50 feet on all sides.
2. Trim tree branches at least 15 feet off the ground. You want to keep a grassfire from climbing into your trees.
3. Remove clutter from around your house, particularly combustible materials such as scrap wood.
4. Don't block firefighter access. Make sure that fire trucks and firefighters can get around your house.
5. Keep plants, trees and grass near your house healthy and watered.
6. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees by selecting plants that are drought tolerant and have high moisture content. Cedar and juniper trees are highly flammable and should be cleared from near your house.
7. Mow grass, rake leaves and remove dead branches to reduce flammable vegetation debris.
8. Stack firewood well away from you house.
9. Clear at least a 10-foot area around propane tanks.
10. Make sure that your house is clearly marked by having your address displayed on all driveway entrances. If needed, you want the firefighters to be able to find your house!
11. Make sure that any area under a deck is clear of flammable materials.
12. Use non-combustible materials when possible. An example would be to use masonry garden edging instead of landscape timbers.
13. Clear leaf litter from your roof gutters. You don't want this debris to catch fire and spread to your house.

Help Prevent Wildfires!

1. Extinguish all smoking materials in proper receptacles. Douse them with water to be sure they are fully out.
2. Don't park cars on dry grass (heat from hot exhaust systems can start a fire).
3. Be sure that all chimneys are well maintained and have proper spark screens installed.
4. If you intend to burn debris, follow all local outdoor burning ordinances for your area to properly manage your fire. Be alert for any "Red Flag Warnings" in your area and adhere to them.
5. Be very careful with charcoal fires. Make sure that any cooking or campfire is fully cold and extinguished.

Links for more information on Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness:

www.firewise.org
http://txforestservice.tamu.edu
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/

Wildfires Reported in Our Area: