Reduce wildfire risk

Listen to this radio story on managing wildfire risk (MP3 download)

Although you may associate wildfires with country pioneers, today's rural homeowners still need to make fire safety a priority. Few people can afford professional fire suppression equipment, but a bit of caution and common sense can go a long way towards keeping your family safe. For example, you should never try burning a brush pile during dry and windy weather. Firebreaks like the one pictured here can also be built into your landscaping to help reduce the risk of injury or property damage caused by wildfires. Ponds, in addition to being beautiful, are quite practical in that they can provide an accessible source of water for fire suppression in an emergency situation.

Radio Interview Source: Dennis Thompson, ecologist, NRCS

To learn more about reducing your wildfire risk, we suggest the following helpful links:

Reduce Your Wildfire Risk: Tips to prevent property damage caused by wildfires.

Fire Prevention on the Farm and Ranch: Download a comprehensive fire safety guide for rural landowners.

Texas Forest Service: General fire safety information, as well as fire safety advice for rural residents and advice on safe debris burning practices.