Working Together as a Community to Reduce Wildfire Risk

As we contend with a warming, drying climate, the risk that wildfire presents to life, property, and public resources such as Austin Water’s Wildlands is likely to increase. As Austin continues to grow and more structures are built along the Wildland boundary, we need to work as a community to understand wildfire risks and the most effective approaches for resiliency.

In 2014, Austin and Travis County worked together to develop and adopt a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Based on Texas A&M Forest Service guidelines, the plan addresses the restoration and management of wildlands, the creation of wildfire-adapted communities, and offers a risk-based management response to wildfire preparedness. The details of that plan can be accessed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/austintravis-county-community-wildfire-protection-plan. 

Role of Wildland Partners

Local fire departments work with land managers at the City of Austin and Travis County to reduce wildfire risk to life and property where wildlands border development. While mature juniper-oak woodland is not prone to frequent fire and under most conditions does not burn readily, wildfires are possible under extreme conditions. By contrast, a primary carrier of fires in Texas is the tall grass which burns more readily than live trees and under a wide range of conditions. As a result, Austin Water manages the boundary of its wildlands to provide a buffer between communities and the wildlands. A key technique implemented by land managers in Austin is known as the shaded fuel break. 

Shaded fuel breaks work by removing low hanging limbs and brush growing beneath mature trees. This type of thinning leaves the canopy of forest trees intact, which in turn shades out grasses which can increase fire frequency. This type of treatment may also prevent fire from entering the tree canopy, where embers exposed to the wind can travel long distances and threaten homes. In short, the shaded fuel break reduces the likelihood of a fire starting by shading out grass, reduces the severity of a fire by slowing vertical growth, and maintains canopy coverage for the benefit of the ecosystem. To date, Austin Water has created 12.6 miles of shaded fuel breaks to a depth of 70 feet, with more planned. In other parts of Austin where our properties more closely resemble a grassland, boundaries are mowed regularly and thinned as necessary. 

Role of Residents

The greatest risk to homes during wildfire events is not necessarily direct ignition from burning vegetation. Rather, airborne embers lofted by the wind may travel great distances and settle in places like gutters and eaves. These embers can linger and threaten homes long after the fire has passed. Homes and landscapes can be designed and maintained to reduce the likelihood of ignition by embers. The choice of structural fuels (building materials) and vegetative fuels (plants close to the house) is the first line of defense to make homes fire-resistant, ultimately protecting both property and lives. 

As managers of preserves protecting endangered and rare species that depend on juniper-oak woodlands, we will do everything possible to minimize the risk of wildfire. In turn, homeowners should design and maintain their homes and landscapes to minimize loss during a wildfire. Check eaves, walls, and foundations for places where embers can enter, clear gutters and downspouts, ensure vent and window screens are intact, and leave space between outside walls and vegetation. Consider using fire-resistant roofing, decking, and fencing materials when building or remodeling. 

Be aware that some common fuel reduction strategies can actually increase wildfire risk. Avoid clear-cutting heavily treed areas which often results in grasslands prone to fire. Properly dispose of dead branches and dry leaves which can become fuel. Never dispose of these materials on wildlands, as this increases wildfire risk. Finally, respect property boundaries. It is illegal to cut vegetation on the wildlands. If you have fuel management concerns regarding land managed by Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division near your property, you can contact WCDadmin@austintexas.gov. For guidance on how you can reduce wildfire risk on your property, reach out to Austin Fire Department’s Wildfire Division, or your local emergency service district, using the links below.

Community Resources and Related Links

Austin-area Wildfire Hub: https://wildfire-austin.hub.arcgis.com/

Short videos explaining the importance of “hardening” homes to protect them in the event of a wildfire:

For more techniques on creating defensible space and hardening your home, refer to the Ready, Set, Go! and Firewise preparedness programs:

Shaded fuel breaks on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve:

View Wildlands shaded fuel break projects on the dashboard: https://austinwater.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/92cb2e55faf645929a8002c693e00e0e