41 days without rain has Austin issuing a pre-emptive wildfire disaster declaration
Austin and Travis County issued a pre-emptive on Thursday.
"In Austin, 41 days, 41 days without measurable rainfall and we're about as dry as dry can be," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
City and county leaders say the area is at severe risk of wildfires spreading. That threat is being taken seriously because Austin ranks sixth in the nation for a number of homes at risk of wildfire. In addition, the Austin area will be packed with travelers this weekend for multiple sporting events.
"Wildfires can spread very quickly," said Bill Wilson, Interim Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the City of Austin. "The last thing we want to see is a wildfire spread at a large venue where thousands of people are gathered to have a good time."
Austin is used to dealing with big events and big crowds, but this weekend may be a record-setter. On Saturday, the University of Texas at Austin campus will be packed with 250,000 fans ready to watch the Longhorns take on Georgia. Smoking grills are a big part of the tailgate scene and gusty winds could blow embers onto shriveled grass and brush.
"Embers can travel up to 1.5 miles potentially affecting property well away from the flames," said Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker.
Formula One races are bringing an even bigger crowd to Austin this weekend.
"Nearly 400,000 Formula One fans will go to the COTA grounds this weekend with cars and campers and be near dry grass," said Wilson.
Concerts at Moody Center and a soccer match at Q2 Stadium will add to the number of travelers in Austin this weekend. The heightened risk of wildfires has Austin and Travis County taking steps to avoid a disaster.
"We're issuing a preemptive disaster declaration so that we're prepared to respond as quickly and effectively as possible in the event of a wildfire," said Mayor Watson. "It means that we can do things like prepositioning resources in high-stakes areas. Which is already happening. And, increasing staffing on shifts so we're ready 24-7."
East and Southeast Travis County are two areas most at risk of wildfires.
"Vegetation is available, and the dry, cool climate is giving us the humidity we need for a wildfire and all it takes is wind and a spark," said Justice Jones, Wildfire Mitigation Officer for the City of Austin.
"With all the visitors we have in town we need to them to be extremely cautious because they may not know we're in critical fire weather," said Jones.
Declaring a disaster before the disaster happens is common for other natural disasters such as hurricanes. The early declaration fast-tracks reimbursements from state and federal agencies if a wildfire ignites.
The City and County ask all community members to be extra cautious during this heightened risk of wildfire and take measures to ensure they do not spark a wildfire.
You can learn more about wildfire preparedness atIn addition, if you live in an area at risk of wildfire, be sure to register to receive alert messages from When you register, select Wildfire as one of the options you wish to be alerted to. The system can send alerts via voice call, text, and email.
