Residents of Versante Canyon, located in western Travis County, clear brush to make their community less prone to wildfires. The neighborhood was certified as a Firewise Community.[/caption] Versante Canyon was the 22nd Travis County community officially recognized by the National Fire Protection Association as a Firewise Community. The Austin neighborhood, located at 8824 RR 620 near Concordia University Texas, celebrated its recognition with a March 22 ceremony in the Versante Canyon Clubhouse. The achievement was a product of cooperative efforts among Versante Canyon residents, Texas A&M Forest Service and Austin Fire Department. According to a news release, the neighborhood was required to create a Firewise committee, obtain an overall assessment of its fire risk, develop a Firewise plan, hold an annual Firewise event and track volunteer time and costs. The Firewise program assists wildland urban interface areas—meaning wildland fires are possible in the area, said Versante Canyon’s Firewise organizer Bill Childs. “[The Firewise Community certification] simply recognizes that we’ve begun a long journey that will never end,” he said. “We will always be threatened by wildfire and will be constantly vigilant to protect our families and property.”