Wildfire Protection Plan

Wildland Fire and Walker County Ecosystem

Wildland fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of Walker County's forests and grasslands. For thousands of years, low-intensity fires have helped preserve these ecosystems. However, changes in land use and increased fire suppression have significantly altered vegetation's natural composition and structure, heightening the risk of severe wildfires. Actions like public outreach, fuel reduction around structures, and community infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate this risk.

Purpose of the Walker County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

The Walker County CWPP aims to safeguard human lives and minimize property loss due to wildland fires in Walker County. The plan's goals include increasing public awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility, restoring ecosystems, enhancing landscape fire resilience, identifying local fire department needs, and supporting emergency management personnel. Click to access the current CWPP. For more information, please visit the Healthy Forests Initiative or the Texas Forest Service or contact Emergency Management Coordinator Adam Winningham at awinningham@huntsvvilletx.gov.

Lower Your Risk

Your wildfire risk is lower if you live in a local subdivision with fire hydrants and well-maintained lawns and trees. However, the risk increases if dead vegetation surrounds your home or propane tank. Potential hazards include low-hanging branches, vines, or shrubs that could carry flames into the treetops and dry, dead shrubs or grass under or against your house. Evergreens like cedar, yaupon, wax myrtle, and rosemary are remarkably flammable due to their volatile oils. At the same time, deciduous plants are generally less flammable unless they have retained dead leaves or branches.

Prevention Measures

Creating a defensible space around your home is crucial. This includes removing all dead vegetation, such as fallen leaves and branches, within 10 feet of your house and propane tank. Vegetation growing alongside or under the house should be cleared, especially if you have wood siding or latticework. Keep your roof and gutters free of leaves. Move woodpiles at least 30 feet away from your house or propane tank. Prune trees so no branches hang within 10 feet of your home or 15 feet of your chimney. Store highly flammable materials, such as gasoline and oil, away from your porch and propane tanks in a safe location.

These steps can significantly reduce your wildfire risk and help protect your home and community.