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– With wildfires burning across much of the western United States, it is important to remember that these fires can occur in Texas. Nearly 10 years ago, forest fires burned parts of Steiner Ranch and Oak Hill and burned down several houses. The good news: According to Luke Kanclerz, a forest fire analyst in the predictive services division of the Texas A&M Forest Service, the likelihood of significant, large-scale forest fires in the hills west of Austin is very slim. “There is a slim likelihood of these long-lasting, catastrophic fires that we see in the west. That is mainly due to the type of fuel that is in this area.” The trees that dominate central Texas Hill Country are primarily junipers. These trees can burn, especially in very dry conditions, but they’re not as prone to explosive and extreme fires as the pine trees in California and most of the western states. The other mitigating factor is the stony soil, which makes it difficult for the grass to gain a foothold and grow. With less grass fuel to burn, fires have fewer opportunities to get into the canopy, preventing them from turning into explosive, fast moving fires. “You need really strong winds to get the fire going and into the juniper crown,” says Kanclerz, “and that’s just not typical of the Capitol region and the areas west of Austin.” This is all great news for central Texas. Not being prone to large forest fires is a good starting position. But Texas is certainly prone to smaller forest fires, which, if started in the wrong place, can be just as devastating on a smaller scale. “It only takes one fire, it can be ten acres, but it can hit 100 houses and endanger these families,” says Kanclerz. “The size of the fire can definitely have an impact, but it’s more or less where this fire is lies enters. ” Hilly terrain with few access points and uneven roads can make access to fires very difficult. Fortunately, central Texas, especially near Austin, is fairly accessible with an overall good road network. The other fire factor is moisture, which was not an issue this year. However, drought years like 2011 can change the scenario very quickly. Kanclerz encourages anyone living in the Hill Country to ensure that their home is surrounded by adequate defensive space in the event of wildfire. Defender Room helps firefighters get easy access to your home to fight any fires that might start.
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