Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency for wildfire response in Texas. Speaking at the May 10, 2024, meeting of the Rotary Club of Marlin, Texas A&M Forest Fire Ranger Kiley Moran described the role of the Texas A&M Forest Service and the need of a fire-wise community. Guests were District 5870 Assistant Governor Rodney Henry, Temple Rotarian Casey Simpson (also ONCOR Area Manager), City of Marlin Marketing Director Winston Williams, former Journalism Instructor Beth Mullins, and Owner of Fischer and Sons Roofing Larry Fischer.
Texas A&M Forest Fire Ranger Moran is Texas Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator plus a member of Interagency Hotshot crew (IHC), commonly called Hotshots or a Hotshot crew. As a Forest Fire Ranger he is highly trained, specializing in wildland fires and performs some of the most demanding and hazardous tasks in wildland firefighting.
“Since its inception in 1915, one of the primary missions of Texas A&M Forest Service has been the suppression and extinguishing of forest fires. In 1993, the mission was expanded to include the coordination of response to each major or potentially major wildland fire in the state.” (tfsweb.tamu.ed)
Forest Fire Ranger Moran explained, “Local fire departments and counties are the first responders. State response is activated as wildfires or conditions exceed the local ability to control.”
A command system is used to coordinate the efforts of all cooperators and minimize losses. Safe, but aggressive initial attack is emphasized, based on forecasted fire behavior. Rapid response and use of appropriate resources are also essential in preventing project fires. These fires are large, destructive, burn multiple days and tie up resources that may be needed to respond to new wildfires.
In addition to fighting wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service is routinely called upon under the State Emergency Management Plan to assist during all-hazard emergencies.
It doesn’t matter where one is, the forest or wild lands are near. In our community, the Central Texas Plain with its often drought and high climate temperatures provide reasons for protective planning.
With just the right conditions – a dry, hot, windy day (Wind can carry firebrands (embers) up to a mile or more) – and an ignition source -- a spark from a vehicle, machinery, or a carelessly tossed cigarette – homes could be in a fire’s path faster than imagined. “When you learn that a fire is coming, you won’t have time to prepare to protect your home…you won’t have time to rake leaves or…,” stated Forest Fire Ranger Moran. There are important steps to take now, despite the current plush, wet conditions of our surrounding land, to improve the survivability of homes and surrounding land.
Fire-resistant landscaping involves much more than basic yard maintenance. It combines plant selection and upkeep to help stop fire from reaching one’s home. With smart planning and regular care, one can create a beautiful, water-efficient, and fire-resistant landscape.
Proper spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees is key in slowing wildfire spread. This spacing varies based on vegetation type and size. The use of brick or stone along the edge of an island to slow the flame spread is paramount. TIn Central Texas the best choices for trees are deciduous species with wide, broad leaves.
Fire-resistant plants are those that do not readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. These plants can be damaged or even killed by fire, however, their foliage and stems do not significantly contribute to the fuel and, therefore, the fire’s intensity. “Remember,” Forest Fire Ranger Moran stated, “Otherwise, plants that produce a large amount of embers will increase a home’s risk in the event of a wildfire. Embers can land in leaf litter, pine litter or enter the home through vents and other openings.”
Fire-resistant plants include acceptable in first 10 feet: Low growing/moist Columbine, Violet, Primrose, Phlox; 10 feet to 30 feet
Taller plants: Bluebells, Bluebonnet, Aster, Gay feather; and 30 feet and beyond Shrubs: Lantana, Butterfly bush, Beauty berry, Turks cap. Succulents and cacti are also fire-retardant.
Forest Fire Ranger Moran recommended creating a wildfire safety buffer around one’s home. Defensible space is crucial for a home’s wildfire safety. It’s the buffer zone created between one’s property and the surrounding wildland area. This space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting one’s home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend one’s property.
Closest to one’s home, Forest Fire Ranger Moran guided: Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch surrounding the home. Clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; check roofs, gutters, and outdoor areas. Keep branches trimmed 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes. Minimize combustible items like furniture and planters on decks. Move firewood and lumber away from the home for safety. Replace combustible fencing and gates with fire-resistant materials. Shift garbage to an area not adjacent to the home. Relocate boats, RVs, and vehicles away from the home to reduce fire risks.
Thirty feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to one’s property line, whichever is closer, Forest Fire Ranger Moran continued: Clear all dead plants, grass, and weeds. Remove dead leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof, and gutters. Regularly trim trees to maintain a 10-foot gap from others. Prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows. These are plants with oily, shiny leaf plants and rosemary, for example. Clear flammable vegetation and items from under decks, balconies, and stairs. Maintain space between trees, shrubs, and flammable items like patio furniture and wood piles. Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.
Thirty feet to 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to one’s property line, whichever is closer, Forest Fire Ranger recommends,: Trim annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches
Space out shrubs and trees horizontally. (A diagram was provided to Rotarians and guests.) Ensure vertical spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees (Again, referred to diagram diagram). Continue to remove fallen leaves, needles, and small branches. Keep exposed wood piles at least 10 feet clear from surroundings, down to the soil. Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.
An additional measure for protection against embers entering the home is to seal gaps around openings in exterior walls and roofs. Utility connections often go through exterior walls of the home. Seal gaps in exterior walls and roofs with fire-resistant caulk, mortar, or fire-protective expanding foam. The use of mesh material in vent openings is recommended.
The above are all do-able steps towards a fire-wise home and together, a fire-wise community.
Rotary Club of Marlin extends its appreciation to Texas A&M Forest Fire Ranger Kiley Moran for his dedication to defending forest and wild lands in Texas. His presentation was informative and compelling. Rotarians take this information, study it, share it, implement it, and will recall it year after year to help protect and serve the local communities.
Texas A&M Forest Service offers programs and services to help make the most of land for generations to come.
Texas A&M Forest Service offers careers that can take an individual anywhere from a wildfire line defending lives and homes, to a forest protecting and conserving Texas natural resources to a computer working on a new application to create solutions for Texans across the state. Contact Texas A&M Forestry Service: Text a Question: (937) 839-8837 or 937-text-TFS.
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