Watson, Brown declare local state of emergency over wildfire threat

Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown on Tuesday declared a local state of emergency in response to the threat of wildfires.

Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott said that wildfires in 191 Texas counties “pose an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property,” thus leading to a state disaster declaration. That declaration included Austin and Travis County. According to Abbott’s declaration, Texas will be able to act more quickly to offer relief to those affected by wildfires and increase firefighting resources, if necessary.

Watson, standing with Brown and officials from Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Austin Police Department, as well as homeland security representatives and other county emergency personnel, said, “We want to make sure that our local community is as prepared as possible to face the threat of climate change. We are now on our 39th day of heat above 100 degrees, with little to no rain. That’s an historic streak.”

“We are as vulnerable as we have ever been to the threat of wildfires,” Watson said, noting that a local emergency declaration will help the city and county prepare in the event of wildfires and any subsequent damage. It also will help expedite emergency purchases, should the need arise.

The mayor said the city and the county have been working together for several weeks, and that the disaster declaration was not related to the disastrous fires in Hawaii. Watson noted that Austin ranks sixth in the nation for homes vulnerable to wildfires. He said the first five cities are all in California.

Both Watson and Brown stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing wildfires. They urged people not to engage in outdoor grilling – regardless of the type of fuel used. And Brown reminded residents to be careful with cigarettes, not to light fireworks and to make sure that chains between vehicles do not drag on the pavement, causing sparks.

Encampments where people experiencing homelessness live are an area of concern; a wildfire could start and spread before authorities can get there to fight it. Watson said the city and partner agencies have moved 73 people and 15 pets from an encampment in the West Bouldin area to the city’s Southbridge shelter. He said the encampment was being cleared.

“We have gone forward on what will be about 450 additional shelter beds, including 300 that should be open and available at the Marshalling Yard at the end of this month and another 150 once repairs are done at the old Salvation Army building,” Watson said. That will help people to get out of the heat and also diminish the chances for a wildfire, he said.

Brown said the Travis County Exposition Center is being prepared to serve as a shelter if a wildfire causes evacuations. The county and city are working with the American Red Cross and the Austin Disaster Relief Network to make sure that they are prepared for such a scenario.

Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker stressed the importance of having a plan in case you need to evacuate your home. Make sure you have a “go bag” with important documents, medications and whatever else you would take in an emergency, he said, stressing that the time to act is now. People can find more information on how to prepare for an emergency at readycentraltexas.org.

Ken Snipes, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said the city is conducting a pilot project in Waterloo Park. The project includes misting stations and shade for people who are either unhoused or whose homes are simply too hot for comfort. Snipes said about 6,000 people have already taken advantage of the cooling mist that the city is providing. The city also is offering cooling centers in libraries and recreation centers.

The Austin Monitor’s work is made possible by donations from the community. Though our reporting covers donors from time to time, we are careful to keep business and editorial efforts separate while maintaining transparency. A complete list of donors is available here, and our code of ethics is explained here.