Travis County launches F.L.A.M.E. initiative to combat wildfire risk for homeowners

AUSTIN, Texas — Another Texas summer is around the corner, and that means a greater risk for wildfires.

Travis County Fire officials from Emergency Services District (ESD) #2, 11 and 12 launched a multi-agency initiative known as F.L.A.M.E., alongside the Austin Travis County Wildfire Coalition and the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The purpose of the F.L.A.M.E. initiative, which translates to Fortify structures, Landscape defensively, Address spark entry, Maintain clean zones and Educate and equip, is to create a better response and make more properties fire proof.

“It means working with developers, homeowners and businesses to encourage defensible space and responsible landscaping and fire resistant building materials,” Pflugerville Mayor Victor Gonzales said.

One of the protective materials that was introduced is Bushfire Mesh. 

James Greer is the CEO of Wildfire Defense Mesh, a family business from Australia that developed the mesh used as a defense against embers and helping to stop flames from spreading. 

The idea is to know the ember entry points. 

According to the Wildfire Defense Mesh website, the mesh attacks 98% of embers, reduces radiant heat by approximately 38% and diffuses direct flame. 

Greer said the 2008 and 2009 Australian bushfire season in Victoria was his inspiration to develop the materials and then bring them to the U.S.

“We knew that high performance mesh was really effective, and so I wanted to make sure we could get that to protect as many homes as possible in United States,” said Greer.

Travis ESD #2 Chief Nate Perkins said Texas has an overall moderate wildfire risk, and while Travis County is not among the five most at-risk counties in the state, the risk remains nonetheless.

For homeowners like Cecelia Burke, she said her neighborhood in Northwest Hills is listed as a Firewise community, which is a national program where residents take appropriate action to reduce wildfire risk.

Certain steps need to be taken for a community to be part of the program, which Burke said was a long and worthy process. 

She has lived at her residence since the 1980s and has taken precautions ever since. Most recently, Burke noted she had replaced the Cedar siding with Hardie board. 

Burke is a customer of Wildfire Defense Mesh and had a roll of mesh ready for installation on her front porch. Her backyard is filled with trees and 100 acres of open space, which is a cause for concern. 

“I’ve been worried about fire out here for a long time,” said Burke. “And of course, now with the drought, it’s more likely than not. So I’m just trying to do everything I can to harden my house.”

Travis County fire officials encourage the public to familiarize themselves with proactive safety practices, shared resources and spark-resistant technologies.