Texas Border Business
Texas Department of Insurance
In 2011, the most destructive wildfire in Texas history destroyed more than 1,600 homes in Bastrop County. A decade later, wildfires continue to pose a risk to much of Texas – and the risk increases as population expands into wilderness areas.
You can use the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal to check the wildfire risk for your home. Just enter your address, and you’ll get a look at the risk for your property and the surrounding area. Then listen to our interview with the Texas A&M Forest Service about what you can do to reduce those risks and protect your home.
For more tips, see Wildfire risks: Projects to help you protect your home.
Below are some helpful tips:
1. Create fire-safe space around your house
- Remove anything flammable within 5 feet from your house, such as leaves, firewood, or building materials. Use hard surfaces, such as stone, brick, gravel, or concrete as a buffer.
- Remove plants near windows, vents, or siding that could catch fire.
- Trim branches hanging over your roof. Trim lower branches on trees that could ignite from fire on the ground.
- Keep your lawn and plants watered and remove dead branches or leaves.
2. Maintain roof and gutters
Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your rain gutters and roof. They can be ignited easily from windblown embers that travel ahead of a wildfire. You should do this regularly.
3. Maintain decks
Check your deck for any material that can catch fire, such as potted plants or mulch beneath the deck. Don’t store wood on or under your deck. If a wildfire threatens, move wooden patio furniture or shade umbrellas inside.
4. Check your insurance
This is an indoor project! Review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild your house if it’s destroyed. In addition, create a home inventory to help if you have to file a claim.
