Communities in action
Most wildfires occur within two miles of a community, placing thousands of homes at risk each year. Reducing the amount of vegetation, or fuel, around homes while using fire-resistant construction materials is the best defense in protecting people, homes, and property from wildfire.
Many communities have seen the benefits of using fire-resistant landscaping and construction to protect their homes and property. View the stories below to learn how to protect homes and natural resources from communities who have been affected by wildfires.
Parmer Lane Fire
On Aug. 8, 2023, Cedar Park, Texas experienced a fast-moving and relatively small wildfire that had potential to cause significant home loss. Damage was minimized in part due to fire resistant construction elements in the neighborhoods affected. Research and firefighter first-hand accounts show that building construction plays a crucial role in the survivability of homes in the face of wildfires. Learn more about how the layout and construction of the communities allowed for firefighters to contain the fire with relatively minimal damage to structures.
Trails Fire
On Aug. 13, 2020, we responded to a request for assistance on the Trails Fire in Llano County. The fire started on the western edge of Horseshoe Bay as the result of an accidental roadside start. The fire quickly grew, threatening multiple structures and prompting voluntary evacuations in the Trails of Horseshoe Bay and Blue Lake subdivisions. By being a Firewise USA® community and taking action to mitigate wildfire damages, The Trails of Horseshoe Bay protected an estimated $40 million in assessed property value from the Trails Fire.
