This fall marks the fifth driest on record with little rainfall over the last few months, Travis County Judge Andy Brown said during a press conference Oct. 20.

With dry weather conditions persisting, Central Texas confronts elevated wildfire risk.

In conjunction with a renewed wildfire disaster proclamation by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Travis County and city of Austin officials announced a local disaster declaration intended to prepare county and city resources for potential wildfires in the area.

“The risk is real,” Brown said.

Local disaster declarations let the city and county respond quickly to wildfire emergencies by temporarily bypassing the usual, often time-consuming contract and procurement processes—ensuring resources and support can reach affected areas without delay.Explained

Though the area saw heavy rainfall over the summer, the downpour has only added to the current risk, Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell said. The summer rain fueled additional vegetation growth that has since dried out, creating more fire fuel—a “critical point” in wildfire conditions, he said.Between Oct. 17-19, two brush fires broke out in the area, including one that ignited near Circuit of the Americas as crowds gathered for Formula 1. The fire line jumped the road and moved toward a nearby residential area, according to county staff.

Though both fires were quickly contained and extinguished by local fire departments, Brown noted that each was sparked by routine human activity—one during construction work and the other while mowing.

Local action taken

The city of Austin has long been working to update wildfire evacuation plans for local communities, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. He noted that the new plans are expected to be completed within the next month, with outreach to the most vulnerable residents beginning shortly after.

“The city is making efforts to prepare, and we need our community to do some work as well,” Watson said.

The updates were developed in collaboration with local neighborhoods, emphasizing partnership with the community rather than planning on its behalf, according to city staff. The overhaul focuses on neighborhoods with limited access points—such as those along City Park Road near FM 2222 on the city’s west side.

“Austin ranks fifth in the nation in the number of homes at risk of wildfire. And that means it's especially important for those of us living here in Austin and the surrounding area to be aware and prepared,” Watson said, later adding, “This is our normal. ... This area is at risk for wildfire year round.”

Earlier this year, Austin City Council members adopted changes to its wildland-urban interface, or WUI, zone.

The updated WUI zoning map classifies a little over half of Austin’s habitable land—tens of thousands of acres—in a risk zone, up 38% from a decade ago. An estimated 46,878 buildings lie in direct exposure to potential wildfire, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.The city continues to examine ways to reduce wildfire risk, which encompasses both developed land and unoccupied wildlands. In 2024, the Austin Fire Department became the largest force in the U.S. to move all of its members through an advanced wildfire response program.

What residents should know

In times with elevated fire weather conditions, creating a defensible space surrounding your home is important, Travis County ESD 2 Fire Chief Nick Perkins said.

Embers are the biggest cause of home fires, he said, adding that simple steps—like adding metal mesh to gutters and clearing a 5-foot zone around your house of flammable materials—can go a long way in keeping homes safe.

Here are some steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of wildfire around their home:

• Clean out gutters to remove leaves and debris.
• Clear dried leaves and vegetation within 5 feet of home.
• Trim tree branches so they are at least 10 feet away from the residence.
• Keep flammable items away from the house or store them in a garage or shed.

Residents may also request a free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation from the Austin Fire Department. A trained wildfire adviser will walk around the residence, offering tips on how to make it more resistant to wildfire and providing evacuation advice.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Ready, Set, Go! wildfire preparedness website to actively prepare homes for the impending wildfire season.

One more thing

Travis, Williamson and Hays counties are all currently under burn bans.

Officials ask residents to avoid outdoor burning, keep cars off dry grass, properly dispose of cigarettes and properly store trailer chains to prevent sparks. Other precautions include avoiding the use of charcoal grills and smokers in windy conditions.

Watson encourages locals to sign up for local emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.

Find out more

Find additional information on the city’s newly redesigned wildfire hub information website.