In a joint press conference, Williamson County Emergency Services and Texas A&M Forest Service officials discussed strategies to prepare for this year's wildfire season.
“Right now our seasonal outlooks for wildfire activity this summer, especially into the fall, is showing at normal. Of course, normal [in Texas] being that we are expecting some wildfires. Everything that is growing right now will eventually dry out later this year when the rain stops,” said Kari Hines, a spokesperson for Texas A&M Forest Service.
What we know
Central Texas has seen a total of 11.88 inches of rain this year, which is up 34% from rainfall totals within the same timeframe in 2023, according to National Weather Service data.
However, with rain comes vegetation growth, ultimately becoming a “conduit for fire” in the dry months, said Clay Shell, Williamson County assistant fire chief.
Bill Zito, senior director of Williamson County Emergency Services, explained as the region continues to experience rapid growth, “the merging of undeveloped wild land with the new communities that are being built” is one reason the county places an emphasis on wildfire preparedness efforts.
What residents need to know
In Texas, 90% of wildfires are started by humans. These human-caused fires can be a result of campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, downed power lines or negligently discarded cigarettes, according to county officials.
Hines said debris burning and equipment use account for over 50% of wildfires in the state.
Both Hines and county emergency management officials provided tips for homeowners to remain safe in the event of a nearby wildfire.
“We know that the majority of homes burned down in wildfires due to embers—the little pieces of burning material that fly ahead of the fire and find these little nooks and crannies around the home. Anywhere [with] leaves scattered around a house really is that same place that embers can gather,” Hines said.
Creating a defensible space surrounding your home is important, Williamson County Fire Marshal Hank Jones said.
A defensible space is a buffer between a home and surrounding vegetation or debris, such as trees, brush or missing roof shingles. This buffer helps improve a house’s chance of surviving a wildfire and gives firefighters a safe area to work in to defend the structure.
Zito also urged residents to map out at least two exit points from their neighborhood, should there be a need to evacuate.
The framework
The county has several wildfire protection plans and procedures in place to combat the annual threat to the region.
The Community Wildfire Protection Plan outlines a preparedness plan to reduce wildfire risks throughout the county.
The county is also in the process of updating its hazard mitigation plan, which will open up grant funding for projects meant to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout the county, Zito said.
Local communities are also urged to become Firewise communities. Firewise USA is a national fire protection association that encourages homeowners and communities to actively reduce wildfire risks in their area.
The program provides education related to preparing structures, evacuation expectations, emergency communication and household plans in the event of a wildfire.
There are several Firewise communities in the region; however, Sun City is the only Firewise group operating in Williamson County.
What else?
The county has also developed wildfire strike teams that have successfully navigated and stopped fires in Williamson County in recent years.
“With the big Cedar Park fire, we were able to start solidifying a process, dividing the county up,” Jones said. “... We're glad that process was put into place. I think we [used it] four or five times last year. ... It allows us to get more resources quicker without stripping other parts of the county.”
Last year, there were 7,530 wildfires and 205,144 acres burned across the state, according Texas A&M Forest Service data.
So far, no fires have been reported in Williamson County or Central Texas in 2024. There are also no burn bans in effect for the area.
Residents throughout Central Texas may sign up for emergency notifications through the Capital Area Council of Governments, or CAPCOG, here.
CAPCOG is responsible for operating 911 systems for 10 counties in Central Texas.
