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Austin leaders consider expanding wildfire protection plan
The city said the reason for the update is to reduce risks associated with wildfires, including the potential loss of life and property.
AUSTIN, Texas — With summer fast approaching, Austin City Council is set to discuss its wildfire protection plan on Thursday.
Council members will look to authorize consulting services to help update and expand the 2014 Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the city and Travis County.
According to council’s agenda, the plan will address the community’s needs for wildfire prevention, suppression, mitigation and recovery. If passed, the contractor will conduct data collection and risk analysis, as well as provide recommendations for actions to prepare for and mitigate wildfires.
The contract would be for an initial term of one year but can be extended to two years, in an amount not to exceed $300,00.
The city said it has secured a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture and Forest Service for $232,500, and funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Last week, city and county leaders joined local fire chiefs to discuss increased threats. They reiterated the importance of having a plan when a fire sparks nearby.
Officials said Austin is ranked among the worst cities in the country when it comes to wildfire vulnerability. They said this is because more people are moving to Central Texas and building new homes.
“More than 90% of wildfires are caused by people or infrastructure like power lines,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “So the rapid growth and homes being built in that zone of transition increases wildfire risk to lives, homes and businesses.”
Travis County commissioners will discuss fire prevention at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday during a town hall meeting at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church’s Holtman Hall Parish Activity Center.