Montgomery County Wildfire Mitigation

## Montgomery County Boosts Wildfire Preparedness After 2023 Scare, New Report Highlights Risks

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX –** Following a severe wildfire season in 2023 that saw Governor Greg Abbott declare a statewide disaster, Montgomery County is intensifying its efforts to protect communities from the growing threat of wildland fires. A comprehensive analysis by the Texas A&M Forest Service, completed in November 2023, has provided a critical roadmap for these preparedness initiatives, flagging specific areas within the county as high-risk.

The urgency stems from widespread drought conditions experienced last year, which fueled numerous wildfires across Texas. In Montgomery County, the proximity of homes to natural, undeveloped land – known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) – presents a unique challenge.

“Last year was a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can spread and threaten our homes and livelihoods,” said a Montgomery County official, speaking on the proactive measures being taken. “We saw firsthand the devastating impact across the state, and we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent such an event here.”

To better understand local vulnerabilities, the county commissioned the Texas A&M Forest Service to conduct a detailed assessment of 13 specific unincorporated WUI areas. Experts evaluated individual homes based on key factors like “defensible space” – the buffer zones around properties where fuels are managed – the type of nearby vegetation, and even building materials.

Overall, the report assigned Montgomery County a “moderate” wildfire hazard rating, scoring 3.3 on their scale. However, the analysis highlighted several areas facing significantly higher risks, including communities around **Lake Conroe, River Plantation, and Cut-N-Shoot**. These findings are particularly crucial for residents in these identified zones, urging them to take immediate action to mitigate risks.

The Forest Service report didn’t just identify problems; it also delivered a suite of actionable recommendations. These include:
* **Individual Homeowner Responsibility:** Encouraging residents to assess their properties, create defensible space, and clear flammable vegetation.
* **Community Education:** Enhancing public awareness programs about wildfire safety and prevention.
* **Fire Department Empowerment:** Ensuring local fire departments have the necessary training and equipment to combat WUI fires effectively.
* **County-Level Support:** Increasing resources and coordination from the county administration.

The Montgomery County Commissioners Court formally accepted the detailed report on January 23, 2024, signaling a commitment to implement its recommendations. Since then, the county has been actively pursuing grant funding to support these efforts. They have applied for a grant from the Texas Water Development Board, which is currently pending review. Unfortunately, discussions on February 20, 2024, confirmed that a separate grant application to FEMA had been denied, underscoring the challenges in securing external funding.

In a move to centralize and bolster wildfire mitigation efforts, the county is also exploring the creation of a new, full-time “Forestry/Mitigation Officer” position. This dedicated role would focus solely on developing and implementing strategies to reduce wildfire risks across the county.

Additionally, local officials are in constant dialogue regarding the implementation of outdoor burn bans when conditions become hazardous, a critical tool in preventing human-caused ignitions. Regular meetings with all local fire chiefs ensure a unified strategy and preparedness across the county’s various fire departments.

“Our goal is to create a more fire-adapted community,” stated a local fire chief during a recent planning meeting. “This isn’t just about what the county or fire departments do; it’s about every homeowner understanding their role in protecting their property and their neighbors. The recommendations in this report give us a clear path forward.”

Residents in high-risk areas, particularly those identified in the report, are strongly encouraged to visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website (texasfd.tamu.edu) for resources on creating defensible space and wildfire preparedness. The county plans to make the full report available on its website in the coming weeks to provide residents with complete details and recommendations specific to their communities.