As the summer brings drier weather, fire departments encourage citizens to help prevent wildfires throughout the area. Low humidity, lack of rain and wind can lead to higher wildfire chances. Stuart Heater, Leander Fire Department’s assistant chief, said the city hasn’t had a severe year for wildfires since 2011. Those wildfires that have broken out have been manageable. “When the humidity gets low enough and accidents happen, different fires may pop up,” Heater said. “There is greater risk as the weather is drying out.” At home, firefighters also encourage people to be aware of their surroundings for wildfire risk factors. According to the National Fire Protection Association, some tips include:

  • Clearing leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks
  • Remove dead vegetation from under the deck and within 10 feet of the house.
  • Screen in in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
  • Remove flammable materials—wood piles, propane tanks—within 30 feet of the home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
  • Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
  • Keep the lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
For more tips, visit www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/wildland-fires/wildfire-safety-tips. One option for raising awareness is to become part of a Firewise community. “The program as a whole gets the residents information to help protect structures, homes primarily,” Heater said. Firewise Communities is a program that promotes cooperation between local, state and federal agencies to promote fire safety. It promotes homeowners to become more aware of how they can help reduce home loss due to dangers from a wildfire. “We will do visits to neighborhoods to discuss it further,” Heater said. “People sometimes misunderstand what we want for prevention. It’s not to eliminate all greenery [at home]. There is some vegetation that is better than others.” Heater said Leander Fire Station No. 2 is hoping to be a Firewise example onsite. The land around the station demonstrates what beneficial practices could look like on an average property. In Cedar Park, the fire department also offers some safety tips when grilling outside to prevent a fire. They include:
  • Grill in an area where grass and vegetation is manicured and not “brushy.”
  • Be sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area and not indoors, under an awning or patio cover or inside a garage.
  • If using lighter fluid, use it sparingly and never on a fire that has already started to burn, and never use gasoline. The use of a chimney starter is recommended for both safety and taste.
  • Don’t use ordinary kitchen utensils for the barbecue. The longer handles on outdoor equipment help keep hands safely away from the grill.
If planning to burn outdoors, contact the local fire department for any regulations.