Austin Travis County Issue Disaster Declarations Wildfire Risk Amid Vegetation Growth

Austin and Travis County officials, led by Mayor Kirk Watson and Judge Andy Brown, have declared a state of disaster due to escalating wildfire risks, with Austin ranking fifth nationally for homes at risk. The declarations facilitate quicker access to resources, enable emergency operations, and streamline reimbursement from state and federal agencies in the event of a wildfire. This heightened risk follows a period of increased vegetation growth from July floods, followed by a flash drought causing dry conditions that amplify fire hazards. Officials emphasized that 90% of wildfires are caused by human activities and urged residents to take preventative measures such as clearing defensible space around homes, avoiding parking on dry grass, and proper disposal of smoking materials. Fire departments have prepared response plans and specialized training to combat potential fires, with a focus on community readiness and coordination among agencies. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts and request evaluations to better protect their properties against wildfire threats.