Ice storm aftermath increases wildfire risk in Central Texas
16 February 2023
Published by: https://cbsaustin.com
USA – High winds and low humidity mean elevated fire danger in Central Texas. All the downed branches could make matters worse, especially in Austin’s green spaces where no one will be picking them up. They will become part of a very flammable underbrush.
Jabari New and Shelby Cabe have already seen what the ice storm has done to some of Austin’s popular landmarks. “We did to see Barton last week and we just noticed how many trees were just in the water and how much of the greenery is in the muddy make it pretty muddy,” Jabari said.
Along Austin’s trails, conditions are ripening for a fire.
“I didn’t even think about the fire issue,” said Jabari.
“Also with us being in a drought right now, it is scary and the weather is changing so consistently,” Shelby said.
“What does it mean now that we have elevated fire risk, wildfire season is ahead of us, and a hot dry summer?” I asked Lake Travis Fire and Rescue director of communications Rachel Neutzler. “So, what it means now is that homeowners need to do everything that they can do to make sure their homes are safe from wildland fires,” she said.
Since many Austin neighborhoods are surrounded by green space, taking measures now could save big headaches down the road.
“Homeowners need to make sure they’re putting those branches at least thirty feet away from their house and make their gutters and eaves are clean,” Neuztler explained.
We caught up with frank, from California, at Bull Creek Park. He is all too familiar with wildfires. “My friends had to evacuate and it’s not a fun situation.”
Today Frank was hiking before heading back to California and saw up close the damage from the ice storm and agrees the fire risk is too high for comfort.
“We couldn’t really cut through the trail because of all the downed debris. Looked pretty serious,” he said. “It could be some trouble. I think it could be hazardous for sure.”
Right now, there is no burn ban in Travis, Hays, or Williamson counties. There is a burn ban in Llano County.
