Lessons Learned
Parmer Lane Fire
On August 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 critical 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 in our StoryMap here.
Trails Fire
On August 13, 2020, Texas A&M Forest Service resources responded to a request for assistance on the Trails Fire in Llano County. The fire started around 3:30 pm 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. Read about the whole story in our StoryMap here.
Firewise USA® is a National Fire Protection Association program that is coordinated through the state. It provides the necessary framework to help neighbors get organized and act to better protect their homes and community from wildfires. 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.