Public affairs: How to protect your home during grass fire season by Mattison Holland

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In the early fall humidity of East Texas, it’s of utmost importance that we pay more attention to our nearby grasslands. Grass fires are most susceptible to hot and dry heat. In order to prevent these kinds of disasters we must stay cautious, aware, and on our toes.

Grass fires can become out of hand in a matter of seconds if you aren’t prepared and ready for action. In these late summer months when the grass is brittle and the sun is blazing we have to take extra precautions in order to prevent wildfires.

According to statistics from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, ¨Fort Worth fire officials have already reported a substantial increase in grassfires this summer compared with the last two years.¨ There was a 704% increase in grass fires between July 5-19 since last year, the Fort Worth fire department noted. Between July 5-19, firefighters responded to 362 fires, a 704% increase from the same two-week period in 2021. The fire department has responded to over 600 such fires this summer, with 245 reported between June 1 and July 3.¨

It’s not just in your imagination, — it seems to be hotter outside than ever. The boiling heat causing these dry grass fires goes deeper than the daily temperature. We have to take a look at what society has been doing to instigate these record-breaking climate changes.

An article on the Scientific American website tells us ¨Modern society’s continued dependence on fossil fuels is warming the world at a pace that is unprecedented in the past 2,000 years—and its effects are already apparent as record droughts, wildfires, and floods devastate communities worldwide.¨

Over relying on things like fossil fuels is what’s causing such an uprise in hot temperatures. Because of these high escalations in boiling heat, grass in Texas is more vulnerable to catching fire. 

You can never be too prepared. Knowing how to handle a situation in regards to grass fires is just another skill that can help you when you least expect it. 

Being aware of the causes of fire outbreaks can help you in preventing one. A few of these causes are ¨…intentional fire setting, open burning of waste, smoking materials, and electrical power or utility lines.¨ says the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Austintexas.gov gives some insight on what to do in order to prevent your yard from catching fire. For example, ‘Keep a 30-foot safety zone’ surrounding the home clear of brush and cedar, especially for those living in a woodland area. Grass should be cut short in this area as well. For homes that sit on a steep slope, the safety zone should be increased accordingly.¨ 

Texas A&M Forest Service states a ¨safety zone¨ or immediate zone is ¨The home and the area 0-5′ from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area. Science tells us this is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers.

If your property is on more land; you are more likely to experience an unexpected fire. 

Austintexas.gov also says to ¨Stack firewood at least 15 feet and uphill from the home.

Rake leaves, cut off dead limbs and twigs, and mow grass regularly. Cut tree limbs within 15 feet of the ground and remove dead branches that extend over the roof.

Don’t park cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs.¨

Taking these extra steps can allow us the freedom of not having to worry so much. It can also create a safer environment for your outdoor hangouts, activities, cookouts, etc. 

As you can see, there are many tasks we can accomplish to make sure we’re doing our part to prevent yard fires and possible wildfires. Because East Texas has become more at risk in correspondence to fire outbreaks, we have to be willing to take the steps necessary to avert such situations. Knowing how to prevent an issue can save you in advance from the issue itself.

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By Mattison Holland