Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire Preparedness

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.

Since Jan. 1, 2025, state and local firefighters have responded to 462 wildfires that have burned 9,093 acres statewide. (Updated Feb. 28, 2025.)

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:

  1. Roofing Materials - Requirements for Class A fire-resistant roofing

  2. Fences and Gates - Guidelines for non-combustible materials

  3. Landscape Management - Requirements for clearing leaves and debris

  4. Home Hardening - Standards for gutters, ventilation openings, and chimneys

  5. Tree Maintenance - Guidelines for tree spacing, dead wood removal, and branch clearance

  6. 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

Questions or Concerns?

Contact the Great Hills HOA Safety Committee.