Fire flies: Don’t get caught unprepared during wildfire season
With temperatures rising and dry conditions rampant, wildfire risk is increasing across Central Texas. According to prevention experts, nearly 85 percent of wildfires are caused by human activity such as unattended campfires, debris burning, equipment malfunctions, improperly discarded cigarettes, and even arson.
UNDERSTANDING BURN BANS
When wildfire risks are high, burn bans are put in place to prevent small fires from turning into dangerous, fast-spreading blazes. These restrictions prohibit outdoor burning and are enforced by local officials to protect communities.
Residents can check a burn ban status by visiting their county’s website or looking for posted signs along county roads. While these restrictions might seem inconvenient, Burnet County Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio emphasizes their importance.
“When a burn ban is in effect, we can’t burn, but that’s to prevent small fires from growing out of control,” he said. “A simple burnpile can turn into a 50-acre, 200-acre, or even 2,000-acre wildfire under the right conditions.”
Even when burn bans are not in place, controlled burns require a call to the sheriff’s office. This keeps local fire departments informed and prepared in case smoke or fire is reported.
“Even when we’re not under a burn ban, we still require people to call in controlled burns,” Marchio said. “That way, if firefighters get a call about smoke in the area, they know what to expect and don’t waste valuable time.”
By following burn restrictions and notifying authorities about controlled burns, residents can help prevent unnecessary fire hazards and protect their homes, neighbors, and first responders.
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Other common-sense precautions include avoiding outdoor burning on windy days and keeping a water source nearby when welding or cutting metal. Homeowners are also urged to take additional steps to protect their property.
Wildfires can spread rapidly, but homes with proper landscaping and maintenance are far more likely to survive.
The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program offers guidelines to help homeowners create defensible space on their properties:
- Remove flammable debris such as pine needles and leaves from roofs and yards.
- Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from chimneys and roofs.
- Space shrubs at least 15 feet apart to reduce the spread of fire.
- Remove low-hanging branches up to 15 feet from the ground to eliminate “ladder fuels” that help fire climb into tree canopies.
- Store firewood, picnic tables, and other combustibles away from structures.
- Keep garden hoses connected and ready for use.
Additionally, Marchio emphasizes “hardening” your home.
“Research tells us that most homes ignite during a wildfire as a result of embers or small flames,” he said. “There are steps that homeowners can take to reduce the risk. Look around your home for those small places where embers may sneak in to ignite a house fire.”
HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Wildfires can spread quickly, leaving little time to react. Preparing for an evacuation before an emergency occurs is crucial. Here are some recommendations:
- Prepare a “go-kit” with essential supplies, including medications, important documents, food, and water.
- Know evacuation routes in case of an emergency.
- Sign up for Warn Central Texas’ real-time alerts about wildfires and other hazards.
- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as a weather app, weather radio, or emergency notification system.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website at nfpa.org or the Texas A&M Forest Service website at tfsweb.tamu.edu.