GUEST COMMENTARY MENTARY
Wildfires across Texas are becoming more frequent and more destructive. In 2024 alone, over 1.3 million acres burned across the state — a staggering increase from the 209,000 acres lost in 2019.
Just this past week, we watched as three fires burned in or near Kendall County, consuming over 10,000 acres, and the fire season is far from over.
Wildfire behavior is dictated by three factors: weather, topography and fuel. In Kendall County, we have recently faced all three. High winds, low humidity and a lack of measurable precipitation have created prime conditions for ignition.
The rugged canyons and hills of the Texas Hill Country funnel and accelerate flames, while drought-ridden vegetation and volatile cedar provide ample fuel to sustain the fire’s spread.
We are fortunate to have dedicated local fire departments and firefighters who respond without hesitation. These men and women work tirelessly, often in extreme conditions, to protect lives and property.
Whether battling flames on the front lines or defending homes from encroaching fire, they put the well-being of our community above their own safety each time they suit up and answer the call.
Their efforts, along with support from partner agencies, have been critical in safely and effectively managing recent fires. But wildfire response alone is not enough.
As residents, we must take proactive steps to reduce risk and support those who work to protect us. So, what can you do? How can you repay them?
If you own property in Kendall County, you can take meaningful action by reaching out to the Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas.
This nonprofit, tax-exempt organization is managed by dedicated volunteers, many of whom played a key role in developing the Kendall County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and are now helping to implement the plan.
The coalition provides guidance on fire mitigation and offers free, confidential property assessments and education to help landowners and homeowners associations create defensible space around their homes.
The assessment will provide the property owner with a roadmap of actions they can take to make their properties more fire-resilient and safer when fire personnel respond. These actions can potentially save lives and help to minimize any damage sustained during a wildfire.
If neighbors work together, they can do more to protect larger areas. Signing up is simple, just email: [email protected] to be scheduled. The coalition will begin performing assessments on April 1.
Then, when a fire happens, if fire managers determine you need to evacuate, do so. Evacuations are not intended to inconvenience you, they are intended to save lives — yours and those of the first responders.
Do not become the reason that a firefighter loses their life because you chose to stay. If we work together, neighbors helping neighbors, we can make a bigger difference and make Kendall County safer for those of us who live here and for those who visit.
For more on what you can do, go to the coalition’s website at: www.hcfcoftx. com; come to the upcoming Community Workshop on April 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department; or join us on May 3 for Wildfire Preparedness Day at Herff Farms in the Gathering Hall.
Follow us on Facebook for notifications of other workshops across Kendall County.
Wildfires are a reality in Texas, but we are not powerless against them.
By taking steps to mitigate risk, we not only protect our own property but also lessen the burden on our firefighters. Contact the Hill Country Fire Coalition today and be a part of the solution.
Our firefighters are doing their part. It’s time we do ours.
Christie Wiley is the Director of the Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to wildfire mitigation and safety in Kendall County. Prior to retiring, Christie worked for the US Forest Service’s Fire and Aviation Management organization and the US Department of the Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire.
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