Wildfire Prevention
Wildfires Can Happen Here.
Whether you live in a rural area, a neighborhood near open space, or a growing suburban community, wildfire preparedness starts at home.
Wildfires are a natural part of the Texas landscape, but that doesn't mean your home has to be at risk.
Taking proactive steps today can significantly reduce the likelihood of wildfire damage and help firefighters safely protect your property during an emergency.
Ten Steps YOU Can Do To Protect Your Home
1. Create A Defensible Space Around Your Home
Keep grass mowed, remove weeds, rake leaves and pine needles, and clear away yard debris that can serve as fuel for a fire.
2. Move Combustible Materials Away From Structures
Store firewood, lumber, and leftover building materials at least 30 feet from your home whenever possible.
3. Make Your Home Easy to Find
Ensure your address is clearly visible from the roadway day and night. Reflective numbers at least 3 inches tall are recommended.
4. Reduce Vegetation Around Structures
Prune dead branches and remove low-hanging limbs. Clear dead vegetation from shrubs and landscaping around your home.
5. Store Flammable Materials Safely
Keep fuel, oil, propane tanks, and other combustible materials away from structures whenever possible.
6. Clean Roofs and Gutters
Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can ignite from flying embers
7. Protect Vulnerable Openings
Screen vents, decks, porches, and crawl spaces with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember intrusion
8. Keep Water Sources Accessible
Connect garden hoses and ensure they can reach all sides of your home if needed.
9. Help Firefighters Help You
Keep tools such as ladders, shovels, rakes, and hoses readily accessible during periods of elevated fire danger
10. Maintain Emergency Vehicle Access
Ensure driveways provide adequate width, height clearance, and turnaround space for emergency vehicles
Additional Resources
Wildfire preparedness is a community effort. For additional information on wildfire risk reduction, home hardening, evacuation planning, and regional wildfire initiatives, visit the Austin-Travis County Wildfire Coalition website.
Explore educational materials, preparedness guides, and local resources to help you become wildfire ready.