With National Wildfire Awareness Month kicking off in May, officials from the City of Austin and Travis County are urging residents to take wildfire preparedness seriously. As Austin continues to grow, so does the number of homes at risk—placing the city fifth in the nation for wildfire vulnerability.

Wildfires have long been a danger in Central Texas, where hot and dry summers create the perfect conditions for flames to spread quickly. Officials are calling on the community to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and avoid actions that could ignite a wildfire.

“Wildfires can spread incredibly fast, so we encourage people to take precautions to keep a fire from sparking,” said Austin HSEM Director Jim Redick. “To protect against wildfires, create a defensible space around your home by clearing brush and debris. Consider switching to non-combustible materials for fences, decks, and balconies to help slow the spread.”

To support residents in wildfire preparedness, the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division and Austin HSEM launched the Ready, Set, Go! program in 2023. The initiative provides guidance on fortifying homes against wildfires and planning safe evacuations.

The program also features emergency alerts through Warn Central Texas, giving subscribers real-time wildfire updates:

• “Ready” alerts instruct residents to assemble emergency kits and prepare for action.
• “Set” alerts indicate that a wildfire is nearby, urging residents to be ready for swift evacuation.
• “Go!” alerts signal immediate evacuation, offering directions and check-in instructions for emergency responders.

For more details on Ready, Set, Go!, visit ReadyCentralTexas.org. To receive wildfire emergency notifications, register at WarnCentralTexas.org.

The materials used in a home’s construction play a critical role in wildfire defense. Embers can find weak points, embedding themselves in small, overlooked areas. Residents are encouraged to assess materials in key areas, including:

🔹 Balconies and Decks
🔹 Roofs & Eaves
🔹 Vents & Walls
🔹 Fencing, Windows, and Doors

Additionally, officials recommend creating defensible spaces by removing combustible debris from around homes. Property protection is divided into three key zones:

✅ Immediate Zone (0-5 feet) – Keep this area clear of flammable materials.
✅ Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet) – Reduce vegetation and create fire-resistant landscaping.
✅ Extended Zone (30-100 feet) – Maintain low-lying vegetation and create breaks to slow fire spread.

Residents can access the Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Personal Action Guide, available in English and Spanish, at ReadyCentralTexas.org.

With more than 80% of wildfires sparked by human activity, officials stress the importance of changing behaviors that could lead to a fire.

Common wildfire triggers include:
🚫 Discarded cigarettes
🔥 Unattended campfires
🍖 Improper use of outdoor grills
🚗 Parking on tall, dry grass
🚛 Dragging tow trailer chains

Wildfires can spread quickly—wind-carried embers can ignite fires a mile away. By recognizing the risks, community members can take steps to prevent disaster.

Throughout May, the Austin HSEM will share wildfire prevention tips across social media. Community members can also participate in upcoming events focused on fire safety:

📢 Thursday, May 7 – Ready Together Emergency Preparedness Training (virtual)
📢 Wednesday, May 18 – Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up at Menchaca Branch Library (3-6 p.m.)

Both events will provide wildfire safety resources, featuring Austin Wildfire experts and AFD’s Wildfire Division. Registration for the free Ready Together training is open at ReadyCentralTexas.org.

Austin residents can also request custom wildfire preparedness training for their businesses or neighborhoods online.