In The News - Central Texas Fire Danger
10/21/2025
Howdy Neighbors,
State renewed disaster declarations are in the news due to elevated fire weather conditions and continuing drought across central Texas.
VOPV Public Works will be suspending mowing operations until we see conditions improve, focusing on seasonal tree work and manual trimming thru the end of month at least.
Please be aware and review the guidelines noted on how you can help and protect the community:
https://www.austintexas.gov/news/increased-wildfire-risk-prompts-disaster-declarations-0
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/DISASTER_fire_weather_conditions_proc_IMAGE_10-10-2025.pdf
What You Can Do to Avoid Sparking a Wildfire
- Do not park or drive vehicles on dry, tall grass or on the should of roadways.
- Do not throw cigarette butts out car windows. Always properly dispose of smoking paraphernalia.
- When towing a trailer, ensure tow chains are properly secured and not left hanging low enough to drag on the pavement. This could cause sparks and ignite a wildfire.
- If cooking outdoors, only use smokers and grills on hard, flat surfaces like concrete or pavement. Do not use charcoal grills or smokers in windy conditions.
How to Protect Your Home
- There are a number of actions you can take to lower your home’s risk of wildfire.
- Clean out your gutters of any leaves or other debris.
- Clear dried leaves and vegetation within 5 feet of your home. This is called a “defensible space.”
- Trim tree limbs to at least 10 feet from your home.
- Keep flammable furniture and other items away from your home or move them indoors to a garage or storage shed.
- Harden your home against wildfire risk by using noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials for your decks and balconies, roofs, eaves, vents, walls and fencing, windows, and doors.
To learn more about preparing, visit the Wildfire Hub and www.ReadyCentralTexas.org.
Thanks
VOPV Team