AUSTIN, Texas — As Central Texas continues to see a lack of rain, the Texas A&M Forest Service is warning about the potential for wildfires.
In rural eastern Williamson County, a brush fire started Monday and continued into Tuesday on a homeowner’s property. Williamson County ESD responded to the fire.
“There is no outside burning both day and night. With the dry conditions, it could turn into something very quickly,” Williamson County ESD firefighter Tyler Graham said.
Firefighters were able to contain the 16-acre fire.
“There is a certainty an uptick of requests from local departments across the state to Texas A&M to assist,” said Kari Hines, spokesperson for Texas A&M Forest Service.
As Central Texas continues to grow, more and more developers are putting up houses further outside city limits and in rural areas.
“Anywhere you have people where you didn’t used to live, there is a potential for more wildfires to start since we are the No. 1 cause,” said Hines.
While it’s not mandated, the forest service does encourage both developers and homeowners to follow some guidelines to try to protect homes from wildfires.
“Just the structure itself and the first 5 feet make the difference when it comes to come survivability. Having vents around your house protecting with a one-eighth mesh makes the biggest difference,” said Hines.