AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local fire leaders gathered Saturday to discuss the best ways to protect property this wildfire season.
Fire experts from multiple agencies making up the Austin Travis County Wildfire Coalition hosted a Wildfire Symposium, sharing tips and methods for wildfire mitigation to a crowd at the Rosewood Zaragoza center.
Leaders present said the best way to prepare for wildfire season is to ensure your home has proper protection in the event of a fire.
Rachel Neutzler, communications director for Lake Travis Fire Rescue, was not a presenter at the symposium but offered insight into how a wet spring contributes to wildfire risks.
“All the rain means we’re getting a lot of new plant growth, a lot of new grasses. And when the summer months come and possibly lose that rain, these grasses and the vegetation is going to dry out,” Neutzler said.
Neutzler said along with having an exit plan and an emergency bag of supplies ready to go, keeping debris and flammable items away from your home can bring down a home’s fire risk.
“Think about that zero to five foot space directly around your home. If you don’t have any vegetation there or items that can burn, you almost double your chance of your home survive surviving,” Neutzler said.