Austin community unites to combat wildfires with Firewise program

AUSTIN, Texas — A community in northeast Austin is taking the initiative to stop the spread of wildfires in their neighborhood.

Firewise USA is a program that helps neighborhoods plan how to protect their homes against wildfires.

On Saturday, Walnut Creek Enclave became the 21st Firewise community in Austin after learning tips and tricks to prevent wildfire spread.

One neighbor said she was inspired to join after seeing the destruction wildfires caused in California.

“A lot of us saw that picture of that one home [that survived], and this is all going to teach us about, ‘Do you want to be that one home that survives a wildfire?’” said Marisa Barreda Lipscher.

They say there are plenty of easy things you can do, like cleaning out your gutters and mowing your lawn regularly.

“It’s not all hard work. It’s just a matter of steps to harden your homes, to do smart landscaping, but that’s what the Firewise department will teach you,” said Lipscher.

They say it’s important to work together with your neighbors to help prevent the spread of wildfires.