Community Impact spoke with ESD9 President Michael Garcia and ESD9 Commissioner Pavel Olchovik about how the district is preparing for the increased wildfire risk, what the May election means for local fire services and how residents can stay informed and ready.
Wildfire season is always a concern. With the May election just around the corner, why is it especially important for Williamson County residents to stay informed this year?
Garcia: In early March, the Texas A&M Forest Service raised the wildfire preparedness level, and several fires have already broken out across the state. We’ve seen significant fire activity in recent weeks due to the impact of high winds and low humidity.
Williamson County issued its second burn ban of the year on March 25, prohibiting most outdoor burning for 90 days. Red flag warnings are also in effect during high winds.
Our priority is protecting residents and communities. It’s also important to stay informed about the May election, which will affect local fire department funding through the ESD.
How does the upcoming sales and use tax proposition on the May ballot impact the work being done at ESD9 and the services provided to the community?
Garcia: This is a very important election for Central Texas, particularly for our ESD and other parts of our community.
As our region continues to grow rapidly, so does the demand for essential services. If passed, the proposition would provide resources to support emergency response, reduce the risk of wildland fires in greenbelt areas and enhance rescue capabilities, all using trusted service providers like Round Rock Fire Department, Leander Fire Department and Sam Bass Fire Department.
It’s crucial that residents understand what they’re voting on. While the district is not advocating for or against the proposition, we want to ensure taxpayers are informed and have the opportunity to make their voices heard.
As wildfire season approaches, what do residents need to know to prepare?
Olchovik: I’ve lived here since 2013, and with how fast the area is growing, wildfire risk is increasing too. Overgrown ditches and cluttered yards create natural pathways for fires, especially with dry grass like Bermuda that can burn even in winter.
That’s why the upcoming ESD9 election is so important. The proposed sales tax increase only applies to our District, not the whole county, and it would fund wildfire prevention, emergency medical services, fire response personnel and critical equipment. Our fire departments—Round Rock, Leander and Sam Bass—are doing great work, and this support helps them stay ahead.
We’re also working on early fire detection systems to catch fires before they spread, which is key in residential areas.
To learn more, visit wilcoesd9.org. There’s a big button on the homepage with details on how the tax works, who it affects and how the funds will be used. This is about being proactive and protecting lives.
Garcia: Wildland response teams are trained to fight fires in remote, hard-to-reach areas where traditional firefighting tactics don’t work. They use specialized training, equipment and techniques, like back burning and wet lining, to control fast-moving fires in greenbelts, parks and areas around neighborhoods.
Unlike standard fire crews, these teams use off-road vehicles and brush trucks to access rough terrain. ESD9 has invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including UTVs and a fully equipped response trailer, to support faster, more precise wildfire response.
We work closely with local departments to ensure they have the tools and training they need, especially in rural parts of our district that are more vulnerable to wildfires.
Service providers have been sent to assist with wildfires in other parts of the country. How have those experiences helped improve the team’s preparedness and response for local fires in Williamson County?
Garcia: In early 2025, the Round Rock Fire Department, one of our service providers, deployed firefighters to California to assist with the Palisades wildfire. This wasn’t their first time; they also responded to wildfires in California back in 2018.
These deployments, supported by ESD9, provide invaluable hands-on training for our firefighters. They gain real-world experience in wildland fire response, improve their skills and return better prepared to protect our own communities.
It’s also a civic duty, supporting other states, as well as responding within our own county and across Texas. Our teams learn from working alongside state and federal agencies, gaining insights into tactics, safety and coordination that directly benefit our local response efforts.
We’re proud of our firefighters and the expertise they bring back to serve our residents.
Garcia: It’s crucial to follow burn bans and take care of your property, especially if it borders wildland areas. That means clearing dead trees and dry vegetation and creating defensible space to reduce fire risk.
Every household should have a fire evacuation plan and stay informed about current fire danger levels. We are excited to introduce the Community Fire Safety and Home Protection Initiative. This program equips residents with essential tools and knowledge to protect their homes. Local residents living within our boundaries can easily sign up online through our website to receive a complimentary fire blanket, ideal for general household and kitchen use. In addition, residents will gain access to valuable fire safety tips to further improve the safety of their homes.
Although we’ve had some rain, we’re still under a burn ban. Visit the Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office for current restrictions and preparedness levels. You can also follow Williamson County ESD9 on Facebook for real-time alerts and safety information.
Preparedness starts with awareness. Stay informed, be proactive and help keep our community safe.
Where can residents find more information about the upcoming election?
Olchovik: Our website has been recently updated and is a great resource for information. It includes details on how to contact the Fire Marshal, how to find out which department serves your area and general fire safety tips. We also provide updates on the upcoming election, financial transparency and community outreach efforts.
We’ve partnered with local fire departments to attend community events, offer training and raise awareness. One key goal is education. Many people don’t have a fire plan at home. We want to change that by encouraging preparedness, like having a designated meeting spot, knowing escape routes and keeping fire blankets on hand.
The wilcoesd9.org site includes an Election tab with detailed information about the ballot, as well as a Financial tab showing exactly how funds are spent. For general voting information, visit the Williamson County Elections website.
Is there anything else to add?
Garcia: It’s really important that we encourage people to get out and vote and that they understand this potential funding source goes directly to our excellent service providers: Round Rock Fire Department, Leander Fire Department and Sam Bass Fire Department.
This election will directly enhance their capabilities and response times, ultimately benefiting our entire community. Since it’s a May election and not a major ballot, turnout may be low, so it’s crucial that voters know what’s at stake and how significant this is for both our firefighters and the citizens in our district. The District is not advocating for or against this proposition. They are just trying to educate voters on why the District has placed this measure on the ballot.
Williamson County ESD9 remains committed to protecting residents through proactive planning, community education and investment in top-tier emergency services. As wildfire risks grow alongside the population, the district’s focus on prevention, rapid response and collaboration with trusted fire departments ensures the community stays prepared. With the upcoming election offering a chance to strengthen local fire services, ESD No. 9 continues to prioritize safety, transparency and service—building a safer, more resilient future for Williamson County.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
