Austin officials have declared a state of disaster due to increased wildfire risks. Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown made the declarations after Governor Greg Abbott renewed a statewide disaster declaration because of elevated fire weather conditions.
“Austin now ranks fifth in the nation in number of homes facing wildfire risk,” Watson said. He emphasized that declaring a disaster allows public safety workers to track expenses and facilitates reimbursement from federal or state government if wildfires occur during this period.
Disaster declarations are common when natural disaster risks are high, enabling governments to implement mitigation efforts and prepare for potential response and recovery phases. Early declarations help streamline resource tracking and make reimbursement processes more efficient.
The community is urged to prepare as well. “90% of wildfires are caused by human activities, and wildfires can spread quickly,” said Austin Emergency Management Director Jim Reddick. He encouraged residents to stay aware and take precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
Austin Emergency Management (AEM) is collaborating with public safety partners to update emergency plans citywide, including revamping the All-Hazards Protective Action Plan. Once finalized, AEM will inform the public through community outreach initiatives. The Austin Fire Department has also redesigned its Wildfire Hub, providing resources on wildfire risks and protection measures.
Community outreach continues with monthly Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up events and educational campaigns led by AEM and the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division.
Residents are advised not to park vehicles on dry grass or road shoulders, properly dispose of smoking materials, secure tow chains, use grills on hard surfaces, avoid charcoal grills in windy conditions, clean gutters, clear vegetation near homes, trim tree limbs, move flammable items indoors, use noncombustible building materials, and request a free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation from the Austin Fire Department for further guidance.
For more information on preparing for wildfires, visit the Wildfire Hub or www.ReadyCentralTexas.org.
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