According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, wildfires have been a recurring issue in the state since 2005. Over the past years, more than 243,000 wildfires have ravaged approximately 13.9 million acres. Notably, the Smokehouse Creek Fire of 2024 stands as the largest wildfire in Texas history, burning more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle region.
Recent wildfires, including the Bastrop County Complex Fire that burned 32,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,600 homes, and the Riley Road Fire near Houston that scorched nearly 20,000 acres across three counties, demonstrate the escalating wildfire threat in Texas.
Experts from the Texas A&M Forest Service emphasize the importance of reducing vegetation on properties to help manage wildfire risks. By clearing areas around homes, subdivisions, or entire communities, the spread and severity of wildfires can be significantly reduced. Thinning trees, trimming branches, and removing potential “ladder fuels” like immature trees, shrubs, and deadwood help prevent fires from spreading quickly. Ladder fuels, in particular, are dangerous as they allow flames to climb into the canopy, intensifying the fire.
Various strategies exist for managing vegetation in wildfire-prone areas. Mulching, for instance, is an effective method where vegetation is shredded and spread over a fuel break to reduce fire intensity. While small pieces of vegetation can still catch fire, mulching diminishes the heat of the flames. This practice is most effective in reducing ladder fuels like tall brush, which can otherwise elevate ground fires into treetops.
Different types of mulching equipment are available, ranging from traditional mowers to more advanced mulchers designed to grind vegetation. Heavy-duty mowers work well on smaller vegetation, but areas with dense brush or ladder fuels may require more specialized machinery.
Prescribed burning, or controlled fires, is another important tool in managing wildfire risk. This technique reduces fuel buildup in a cost-effective manner and can also enhance local ecosystems.
Fuel breaks are critical for preventing wildfires and are most effective when located along natural fire barriers like roads. Proper planning and upkeep are essential to maintain these breaks. Effective fuel breaks include the following steps:
- Select locations near natural fire barriers or along contour lines.
- Prune large trees to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from the ground.
- Remove ladder fuels such as tall brush and small trees.
- Thin trees to maintain a crown spacing of 25 to 30 feet.
- Break up dense areas of brush.
- Ensure a minimum width of 60 feet on flat land and 100 feet on slopes.
Regular maintenance is vital to keep these breaks functional.
Herbicides can be applied after mulching to prevent weed growth, and grazing animals may also help manage fuel breaks.
Finally, when considering prescribed burning, it’s crucial to work with a certified burn manager to ensure the fire is conducted safely and that smoke issues are minimized.
Lone Star Land Enhancement has a fleet of mulching machines with capabilities ranging from small underbrush to large trees and difficult to reach creek and ravines. To protect your property from fire hazards, call Lone Star Land Enhancement for a mulching quote and start managing your property’s risk today.
References:
- Texas A&M Forest Service. “Protect Your Wildlands.” Texas A&M University. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/ProtectYourWildlands/.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “Fire Costs: Fiscal Notes 2025.” Texas Comptroller. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes/infrastructure/2025/fire-cost/.