Austin Fire reports wildfire preparedness progress and targets more home assessments

David Skowron, division chief for Austin Fire’s Wildfire Division, presented the biannual wildfire update required by city council resolution. He said the department has completed and implemented 26 local community wildfire protection plans (CWPPs), has 21 additional CWPPs started, and is targeting roughly 500 structure ignition‑zone assessments this year (157 completed in Q1–Q2, over 200 to date per the presentation).

Skowron reported 14 prescribed fires covering about 1,800 acres in the last six months and recounted training and instructor exchanges with partner agencies, including engine operator and prescribed‑fire practitioner classes. He noted battalion 5 is dedicated to wildfire response and that Austin coordinates prescribed‑fire and fuels mitigation work with Austin Water, Austin Energy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Parks and Recreation and county partners.

Commissioners raised whether current metrics still measure success adequately and whether new measures should be adopted; Skowron said the regional Austin‑Travis County CWPP is under revision (anticipated mid‑ to late‑September) and the department will propose metric updates. He said outreach and a mayor‑sponsored Firewise event on Aug. 5 are planned to increase engagement, particularly in the Eastern Crescent.