City of Austin and Travis County officials held a press conference to encourage community members to prepare for the impending wildfire season. This initiative coincides with National Wildfire Awareness Month in May and is aimed at mitigating the risk posed by wildfires, particularly as the growing population in Austin has increased the number of homes at risk.
Jim Redick, Director of Austin HSEM, emphasized the importance of readiness: “Wildfires can spread incredibly fast, so we encourage people to take precautions to keep a fire from sparking.” He advised creating defensible space by clearing brush and debris, and suggested using non-combustible materials in home construction to prevent the spread of fire.
The Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division, in collaboration with the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, established the Ready, Set, Go! program. Launched in 2023, the program provides guidance on property hardening and evacuation planning. Subscribers to the Warn Central Texas alerts will receive updates during wildfire threats, informing them when to prepare or evacuate.
More than 80% of wildfires are caused by human activity. Therefore, understanding the risks and following safety precautions, such as properly discarding cigarettes and managing outdoor fire activities, are crucial steps in wildfire prevention.
During Wildfire Awareness Month, Austin HSEM plans to share prevention tips on social media and highlight wildfire preparedness in the Ready Together training class on May 7. An Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up event will also be held on May 18 at the Menchaca Branch Library, featuring educational materials and emergency supplies.
For more information or to register for wildfire notifications, visit ReadyCentralTexas.org and WarnCentralTexas.org.
