PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) – Travis County fire officials said they would take a new, proactive approach to reducing wildfires through education of builders, landscapers, emergency responders and homeowners.
The new initiative gives officials tools to reduce the risk of fires in eastern Travis County, Pflugerville Fire Department and ESD No. 2 Fire Chief Nick Perkins explained.
Topics on which officials will be educated include the following “pillars.”
- Fortifying structures.
- Landscaping defensively.
- Addressing spark or ember entry to homes and buildings.
- Maintaining a five-foot zone around a home or building.
Perkins said embers can travel up to a mile and a half from the location of the fire. That’s why the risk becomes higher, even when wildfires seem far away.
According to Travis County ESD No. 2 and Pflugerville Fire Department Chief Nick Perkins, wind-driven sparks or embers are the number one cause for wildfires. He said it’s important to understand the reality of wildfire risk in Central Texas, which is considered “moderate.”
In contrast to California wildfires, Perkins said Central Texas fires occur in “much different” conditions, including less vegetation and lighter wind in Central Texas than in areas of California that have seen devastating wildfires.
Travis County is among the top five at risk counties in the state, but Perkins pointed out that the scale is specific to Texas.
The initiative is being lead by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), which is partnering with the fire departments and other government agencies.
The overall mission is to educate and equip homeowners and residents so they may protect themselves and their properties.