Your city and county just issued disaster declarations for wildfires. No, nothing’s burning yet. But officials aren’t waiting around to see if it will.
Austin now ranks fifth in the entire country for homes at wildfire risk. Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown declared disasters following Governor Greg Abbott’s statewide declaration. The dry conditions and high fire danger mean Central Texas could go up in flames fast—and your home might be in the danger zone.
Why Declare a Disaster Before the Fire?
Watson says declaring early lets the city track expenses and line up federal or state reimbursement if a wildfire hits during this high-risk period. But there’s more to it than paperwork.
Declaring a disaster now means emergency crews can start organizing behind the scenes, updating plans, and positioning resources before flames appear. Once a fire starts, every second counts. This declaration gives first responders a head start.
“90% of wildfires are caused by human activities, and wildfires can spread quickly,” says Austin Emergency Management Director Jim Reddick. “That means you can take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
What Could Spark a Wildfire in Austin
Most wildfires don’t start from lightning or natural causes. They start because someone made a mistake. Here’s what could turn your neighborhood into an inferno:
Your car is parked on dry grass. The hot exhaust can ignite dried vegetation in seconds. Never park or drive on tall, dry grass or road shoulders.
A cigarette butt tossed out your window. It lands in dry brush and starts burning. Always dispose of cigarettes properly—never throw them from your car.
Trailer chains dragging on pavement. Those sparks you see when chains hang too low? They can start fires. Check your tow chains before hitting the road.
Grilling on your wooden deck during windy conditions. Use smokers and grills only on concrete or pavement, and skip the charcoal when the wind picks up.
Protect Your Home Now—Before Fire Season Hits Harder
You can lower your home’s wildfire risk with a few weekend projects:
Clean your gutters. Dried leaves and debris turn gutters into kindling.
Create a five-foot defensible space around your home. Clear all dried leaves, dead plants, and vegetation within this zone.
Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from your house. Flames travel through tree canopies faster than they spread on the ground.
Move patio furniture, cushions, and flammable items into your garage or storage shed. Anything touching your home’s exterior is a fire hazard.
Consider hardening your home with fire-resistant materials on decks, roofs, vents, walls, fencing, windows, and doors. These upgrades can mean the difference between your home surviving or burning.
Get a Free Fire Safety Assessment for Your Home
The Austin Fire Department will send a trained wildfire advisor to your home for free. During this Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation, the advisor walks around your property with you, points out vulnerabilities, and explains exactly how to strengthen your home against wildfire.
The advisor also discusses evacuation plans and what to do when fire conditions get dangerous. These assessments are confidential—nobody’s checking up on you or reporting violations. The goal is simply helping you protect your home and family.
What the City Is Doing Behind the Scenes
Austin Emergency Management is updating emergency plans across the city and revamping the All-Hazards Protective Action Plan. Once finalized, officials will share what the plan means for your neighborhood.
The Austin Fire Department redesigned the Wildfire Hub website where you can check your home’s wildfire risk and learn protection strategies specific to your area.
Both departments continue hosting monthly Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up events around the city. These free events give you face-to-face access to experts who can answer your specific questions about wildfire preparedness.
Stay Alert and Take Action
Central Texas is dry. Conditions are dangerous. One spark can destroy entire neighborhoods.
Check your property this weekend. Clean those gutters. Clear that dried vegetation. Move flammable items away from your home. Request that free fire assessment.
Don’t wait until you see smoke on the horizon. By then, it’s too late.
Resources
Austin Fire Department Wildfire Hub: austintexas.gov/department/wildfire
Request free home fire assessment: Contact Austin Fire Department
Ready Central Texas: readycentraltexas.org
Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up events: Check Austin Emergency Management for monthly schedule
