Here’s how Austin-area leaders are preparing for wildfire threats this summer

AUSTIN, Texas — Once officials begin heeding the warning of fire danger is when Austinites should know that summer is fast-approaching.

Leaders with the city of Austin, Travis County and local fire chiefs got together Tuesday to talk about the increased threats and reiterated the importance of having a plan when a fire sparks nearby.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the city is seeing hotter summers, longer droughts and windier days. He pointed to the Crabapple fire near Fredericksburg in March that burned nearly 10,000 acres and destroyed nine homes.

“We got to literally see it because the smoke and the ash [of] that fire [that] happened in Gillespie County actually darkened the skies here in Austin, Texas,” said Watson. “We have to change the way we prepare for these emergencies.”

Travis County Judge Andy Brown recognized that May was Wildfire Awareness Month, and said that when a Red Flag warning goes out — a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds — people should avoid burning anything outside and using tools that can spark a fire.

Brown also encouraged having a wildfire plan, an emergency kit ready, and having at least two ways out of your home in case of evacuations.

Austin’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Director Jim Redick said an evacuation plan is being finalized and should be published by June 1, but fire departments will be delegating the evacuation orders and coordinating with the National Weather Service on areas with the most impact.

“You may be called on to evacuate quickly, so have that plan on where you would go, what you would do, what you would take with you,” said Redick.

Austin was ranked fifth when it comes to wildfire vulnerability, and recently, the city updated its risk maps where tens of thousands of acres are considered at risk for fire danger. Watson said the reason is more people are moving to the city and that means more homes are being built.

While local leaders tackle preparedness, another factor to consider is the federal impact. The Trump administration has been working to restructure FEMA by cutting key programs and reducing staff.

Watson praised the relationship the city has with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, but said there is a worry if federal funding runs low or completely runs out.

“That is something we should be concerned about, is how we’re going to react in certain disasters and not just fires, but in other disasters, whether it’s extreme cold or something of that nature,” said Watson. “We’re going to need those resources.”

On May 8, Travis County Commissioners will be hosting a town hall meeting at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church’s Holtman Hall Parish Activity Center for anyone who wants to learn more about wildfire preparedness.