The Wildland-Urban Interface is the area where homes are built and property is improved next to native vegetation, commonly the greenbelts and native prairie and forests. In Central Texas, fire is a naturally occurring feature of the ecosystem which breaks down decayed, dead plant material and recycles nutrients for future use. Wildfires are the unpredictable, weather-driven events which can develop quickly and have the potential to threaten life and property. 90% of wildfires are human caused.
Image courtesy of pbatexas.org website & Texas Forest Service
Wildfire is a natural component of the Central Texas Ecosystem. Therefore, fire cannot be excluded 100% from occurring. Burning embers become airborne and are the leading cause of ignition to buildings in urban areas. Gusty winds from a spreading fire carry embers great distances.
With a Wildfire Risk Assessment Qualification, an Arborist with Cambium Tree Care can provide a Home Ignition Zone Assessment for you as the homeowner. We can help identify areas where efforts can be focused to create defensible space and identify fire prone spaces near your home. We can work for you on your property to reduce overgrown vegetation and highly flammable plant material.
The Wildfire Risk Assessment Qualification is endorsed by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the International Society of Arboriculture.
"One way to protect the Wildland-Urban Interface is to restore surrounding landscapes to a healthy, resilient condition." T. Tidwell. A Fire Protection Triangle for the Wildland-Urban Interface article 2010.