Austin reveals new wildfire initiatives ahead of high-risk weekend

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, Austin and Travis County leaders announced initiatives aimed at wildfire education, mitigation and prevention.

The “No-Ember November” campaign was also announced.

“Austin ranks fifth in the nation for number of homes at risk of wildfire,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “It is important that we as community leaders take action to educate the public on this risk and steps they can take to protect themselves while we are also planning for how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.”

During Friday’s event, Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown each signed wildfire proclamations.

Local leaders provided the following resources to help create a plan in case of evacuations due to a wildfire.

• All-Hazards Protective Action Plan
• Wildfire Annex
• Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Austin Fire Wildfire Hub
• Ready Central Texas
• Warn Central Texas (emergency alerts)
• City of Austin Alerts
• Ready, Set, Go! Personal Wildfire Action Guide

Earlier in the week, the Austin-Travis County Wildfire Coalition began working on an update to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which occurs every 10 years. A public survey is available for community members to provide input for the Nov. 19 meeting.