Wildfire Preparedness
With unseasonably warm temperatures and freeze-cured grasses, Texas often finds itself in a “year-round” wildfire season. Whether you’re in the Panhandle, the Hill Country, or the Piney Woods, understanding how to harden your home and when to leave is essential for staying safe.
Here is a guide to wildfire preparedness tailored for the Lone Star State.
- Create a “Defensible Space”
Your home’s best chance of surviving a wildfire starts with the 30 feet immediately surrounding it. Texas A&M Forest Service recommends a tiered approach to landscaping:
- The 0–5 Foot Zone: This is the most critical area. Use non-flammable materials like gravel or stone. Remove dead leaves from gutters and move firewood stacks or wooden fences away from the house.
- The 5–30 Foot Zone: Keep grass mowed short and well-watered. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet off the ground to prevent “ladder fuels” from carrying fire into the canopy.
- The 30–100 Foot Zone: Thin out brush and ensure there is plenty of space between tree crowns so fire cannot easily jump from one to the next.
- Prevention in the Field
Most wildfires in Texas are caused by human activity—often accidentally. If you are working outdoors or traveling, keep these “Texas-specific” tips in mind:
- Watch the Chains: If you’re towing a trailer, ensure safety chains aren’t dragging. A single spark on a dry roadside can ignite miles of grass.
- Check the Catalytic Converter: Avoid parking or idling your vehicle in tall, dry grass. The heat from your exhaust system can easily start a fire.
- Postpone the Spark: On windy, low-humidity days, avoid “spark-heavy” activities like welding, grinding, or even mowing dry weeds.
- Obey Burn Bans: Always check with your county judge or local fire department before burning debris. Texas weather changes fast; a calm morning can turn into a windy afternoon in minutes.
- The “Five Ps” of Evacuation
When a wildfire is approaching, you may only have minutes to leave. Emergency management officials suggest packing a “Go Kit” centered around the Five Ps:
Category | What to Include |
People & Pets | Family members, pets (with leashes/crates), and a plan for where to meet. |
Prescriptions | A 7-day supply of medications, eyeglasses, and medical records. |
Papers | ID, insurance policies, titles, and hard copies of important contacts. |
Personal Needs | Cash (small bills), water, non-perishable food, and phone chargers. |
Priceless Items | Family photos, heirlooms, and irreplaceable mementos. |
- Know Your Risk
Conditions in Texas fluctuate wildly based on recent rainfall and “green-up” phases.
- Monitor the Fire Environment: Use the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (TxWRAP) to see current conditions in your specific county.
- Stay Notified: Sign up for local emergency alerts (Reverse 911) and keep a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio handy.
- Two Ways Out: Always have at least two evacuation routes planned from your neighborhood. In a fire, smoke can reduce visibility to near zero, making familiar roads unrecognizable.
Pro Tip: If you see smoke and feel unsafe, don’t wait for an official evacuation order. Leaving early prevents you from getting stuck in traffic or trapped by fast-moving flames.
As we move through 2026, staying “Wildfire Aware” isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessary part of living in the Texas landscape. Do you have your Go Kit ready, or are there specific items you’re still looking to add?