Fall is a good time to tidy up around your home in the Lost Pines. Local fire and county officials start with the same idea: clear what burns easily close to the house, then work your way out. Most of it is simple yard work, and you can do it a little at a time.
What should you clear first, right next to the house?
Bastrop County MUD No. 1 calls the first 5 feet the most important area because it is the most vulnerable to embers. Its list includes:
- Clear roofs and gutters of leaves, debris and pine needles.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or come within 10 feet of a chimney.
- Move mulch, leaves, needles and firewood piles away from exterior walls.
- Screen attic and eave vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
- Clear under decks and patios, and do not store anything there.
What about the rest of the yard?
Moving out from the house, the local guides recommend:
| Distance from home | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Within 30 feet | Thin trees and brush | Bastrop County |
| 5 to 30 feet | Mow grass to 4 inches or less, and rake up fallen leaves and needles | MUD No. 1 |
| 30 to 100 feet | Reduce vegetation, space out treetops and remove lower limbs to 6 to 10 feet above the ground | ESD 2 |
Numbers vary a little between agencies, so ask your own fire department what it recommends for your property.
Can a fire truck reach your home?
Bastrop County ESD 2 suggests a few access checks:
- Address numbers: reflective, at least 4 inches high and visible at night. Address signs can be ordered from Bastrop County.
- Driveway: clear brush within 12 feet, and trim limbs that hang less than 13 feet above it.
- Turnaround: provide a firm gravel or paved place for fire trucks to turn.
What local help is available?
ESD 2 lists a few programs on its site:
- Chipping events: it plans at least two a year, in spring and fall, and turns dropped-off brush into mulch. Dates are posted on its social media.
- Home assessments: after you do the work, the fire department will review your home and suggest improvements. Email [email protected].
- Help with clearing: the department can assist some residents who qualify. Start with a home assessment.
Check whether your address is in the district, and if not, ask your own fire department what it offers.
What else should you do this season?
The county’s preparedness page also suggests having heating systems and chimneys inspected yearly, keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, and following any local burn bans. If you plan to burn your brush pile, check the current burn ban status first. ESD 2 also suggests asking your insurance provider to confirm your coverage applies to wildfires.
New to the Lost Pines?
Pine trees are a big part of why people love it here, and a little upkeep goes a long way. Our Moving to Bastrop guide covers the rest of settling in, and our Sell Your Home page is a good next stop if you are getting a place ready to list.
Frequently asked questions
- How far should I clear brush from my house in Bastrop County?
- Bastrop County's emergency preparedness page says to thin trees and brush within 30 feet of your home and to remove dead wood, debris and low branches beyond that.
- How do I get a wildfire assessment for my home in Bastrop?
- Bastrop County ESD 2 says that after you create defensible space and harden your home, its fire department will assess your readiness and recommend improvements. You can request one through the district's website or at [email protected].
- Is there a brush chipping program in Bastrop?
- Bastrop County ESD 2 says it plans at least two chipping events a year, in spring and fall, where residents drop off brush to be turned into mulch. Dates are posted on the district's social media.
- How do I make my address easy for firefighters to find?
- ESD 2 recommends reflective numbers at least 4 inches high, visible at night and from a distance. It says address signs can be ordered from Bastrop County.
Sources
- Bastrop County: Emergency Preparedness
- Bastrop County ESD 2: Wildfire Preparedness
- Bastrop County MUD No. 1: Defensible Space Zones
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
