Submitted by: Bexar County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez
Bexar County has been fortunate to receive much-needed rain this year. However, there are areas in the county that remain at high risk for wildfires, and we can’t let our guard down. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. These fires are usually triggered by lightning or accidents. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. As a reminder, a burn ban remains in effect for Bexar County.
According to Texas A&M Forest Service, substantial risk for wildfires persists in the northern part of Bexar County, especially in those communities closest to the Hill Country. The following are things you can do according to ready.gov to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a wildfire.
Create Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the surrounding vegetation. This space is crucial to slowing the spread of wildfires and protecting your home.
- Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from your home): Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees. Regularly clean roof and gutters. Use a 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic. Clear items that will burn from around the house, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc. Move them outside of your defensible space.
- Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from your home): Maintain this area by regularly mowing the lawn, pruning trees 6-10 feet from the ground, and removing any dead vegetation around this zone.
- Extended Zone (30-100 feet from your home): When planting, be sure to space out trees and shrubs to prevent any potential fires from spreading to your house. Dispose of the accumulation of ground litter or debris. Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds.
Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials
Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Prepare an Emergency Kit and Evacuation Plan
Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.
- Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and a first aid kit.
- Evacuation Plan: Develop a plan that includes multiple escape routes from your home and neighborhood. Designate a meeting point for family members and practice the plan regularly.
Stay Informed
Stay updated on local fire conditions and alerts.
- Sign up for emergency alerts from the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN). Visit bexar.org/REAN, this is a FREE emergency notification tool for ALL citizens of Bexar County.
- Follow the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office on social media for the latest updates.
- Listen to weather forecasts and follow any fire warnings or evacuation orders promptly.
Community Involvement
Community effort is crucial in wildfire prevention and safety.
- Join or establish a Firewise USA® community in your neighborhood. This program has outstanding information used daily by residents, property owners, fire departments, and others to assure fire safety. Visit firewise.org
- Educate your neighbors about wildfire safety and encourage them to take preventative measures.
- Participate in community clean-up days to remove dead vegetation and other fire hazards.
A Shared Responsibility
Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility. By taking these precautions, you can help protect not only your home and family but also your neighbors. Let’s work together to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety and resilience of our community.
For more information and resources, visit bexar.org/wildfires. Together, we can make a difference.