Understanding Our Risk
According to experts, like the Texas A&M Forest Service, Great Hills is located in a high-risk area for wildfires and we need to take this fact very seriously.
Northwest Austin is being particularly vulnerable due to our unique topography, vegetation, and development patterns. The urban-wildland interface—where our developed neighborhood meets natural landscapes—presents particularly high risk, as demonstrated by the 2011 Steiner Ranch wildfire, which destroyed 23 homes and forced the evacuation of 1,000 residents.
Proposed Wildfire Reduction Policy
The Great Hills HOA Board is currently considering a Wildfire Reduction Policy to help protect our community.
At the Great Hills HOA Annual Meeting on March 5, 2025, the members voted to direct the HOA Board to create a policy and get it approved by the members of the HOA.
The comment period is now open. Send comments to: safety@greathillshoa.com
This policy would establish minimum requirements to mitigate the risk to life and property from wildfire exposures. The draft policy aligns with the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan (TWPP) and City of Austin wildfire prevention guidelines.
Key provisions of the proposed policy include:
Roofing Materials - Requirements for Class A fire-resistant roofing
Fences and Gates - Guidelines for non-combustible materials
Landscape Management - Requirements for clearing leaves and debris
Home Hardening - Standards for gutters, ventilation openings, and chimneys
Tree Maintenance - Guidelines for tree spacing, dead wood removal, and branch clearance
Combustible Materials - Rules for storage of firewood and hazardous materials
We will discuss a proposed Wildfire Reduction Policy at our Annual Meeting on March 4, 2025. We welcome your feedback and questions.
Protecting Your Home
Creating Defensible Space
Fire safety experts recommend a zone-based approach to creating defensible space around your home:
Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from home)
Remove all flammable materials including plants, mulch, propane tanks, and firewood
Use non-flammable ground coverings like gravel or pavers
Clear all leaves and debris from roof, gutters, and around the foundation
Move flammable outdoor furniture away from the house
Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet)
Keep grass mowed to a maximum height of 4 inches
Create vegetation breaks to decrease fire behavior
Trim tree branches to at least 6 feet off the ground
Space trees at least 18 feet between crowns (treetops)
Extended Zone (30-100+ feet)
Thin trees so canopies don't touch (12 feet between canopy tops)
Clear heavy ground debris
Eliminate dead plants and vegetation
Increase downslope distance up to 200 feet on steep slopes
Home Hardening
Protect your home against wildfire embers with these critical improvements:
Roof and Gutters - Install Class A fire-resistant roofing materials and metal gutters with non-combustible guards
Vents and Openings - Cover with 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to block ember intrusion
Exterior Walls - Select heat and fire-resistant siding materials
Decks and Fences - Replace wooden attachments with non-combustible alternatives
Emergency Preparedness
Be ready for wildfire emergencies with these essential steps:
Sign up for alerts through Warn Central Texas
Create an evacuation plan with multiple routes and meeting locations
Prepare a "Go-Kit" with essentials including water, food, medications, and important documents
Don't wait for evacuation orders - leave early if you feel threatened
Community Resources
Free Home Assessments - Schedule a Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation with the Austin Fire Department here
Firewise USA Program - Learn about joining or starting a Firewise site in our neighborhood here
Additional Resources - Visit the Austin-Travis County Wildfire Coalition for more information