Two-minute impact
According to a July 18 news release, wildfires often begin unnoticed, usually triggered by lightning or accidents. Such fires can spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Texas A&M Forest Service representatives said a substantial risk for wildfires persists in the northern part of Bexar County, particularly the communities closest to the Hill Country.
The details
County officials said people can decrease the risk of a wildfire erupting in their neighborhood by creating defensible space, a buffer between one's home and the surrounding vegetation. This space is crucial to slowing the spread of wildfires and protecting one's home, county officials said.
The release stated that residents can create a buffer of up to 5 feet from their home by using materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees.
Residents are also urged to regularly clean roofs and gutters, use a one-eighth of 1 inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, the home itself, as well as floors, the roof and the attic.
Residents are encouraged to clear items that could burn from around the house, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc. Move them outside of one's defensible space, the release stated.
Further out from one’s home, residents are urged to regularly mow their lawn, prune trees 6-10 feet from the ground, and remove any dead vegetation around this zone. County officials also encouraged residents to space out trees and shrubs to prevent any potential fires from spreading to their house when planting something. Additionally, homeowners are urged to dispose of accumulation of ground litter or debris and remove vegetation near storage sheds.
Also of note
The release stated that residents should use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
County officials encouraged residents to create an emergency kit containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents and a first aid kit.
County officials also urged residents to have an evacuation plan that includes multiple escape routes from one's home and neighborhood, designate a meeting point for family members and practice the plan regularly.
According to county officials, residents can sign up for emergency alerts from the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN), a free emergency notification tool, and stay tuned to weather forecasts and any fire warnings.
Additionally, the release stated that residents can join or establish a Firewise USA community in your neighborhood. This program has information used daily by residents, property owners, fire departments, and others to assure fire safety.
