83R12905 BPG-D
By: Workman H.R. No. 964
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Most of Texas is suffering extreme drought, and the
state climatologist has warned that the forecast tilts toward a
continuing rainfall deficit and higher temperatures that increase
the risk of intense wildfires; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, nearly 3,000 homes in Texas were lost to
wildfires; the Bastrop County Complex fire alone destroyed over
1,600 homes, burned more than 34,000 acres, and resulted in losses
of $400 million, while claiming two lives; and
WHEREAS, Prolonged drought conditions are now bringing
wildfires even to communities that may not have experienced this
hazard in recent memory; over the past two years, 85 percent of
wildfires in Texas have occurred within two miles of an established
community; moreover, the majority of new development in Texas is
occurring at the wildland-urban interface, where homes and other
structures intersect with undeveloped areas that contain flammable
grass, brush, and trees; and
WHEREAS, The National Fire Protection Association drew on
research in physical fire science and human behavior to create the
Firewise Communities program, which encourages local solutions for
wildfire safety; the program teaches people how to adapt to living
with wildfire and how to collaborate effectively to help protect
people and property; working with partners such as state forestry
and local fire departments, program participants plan, organize,
and conduct activities that improve their wildfire safety, and each
community can address its specific needs using a flexible template;
the Texas A&M Forest Service supports the program in this state
through its educational initiatives and by providing a staff of
wildland-urban interface specialists to advise applicants and
members; and
WHEREAS, Since 2003, this voluntary program has documented
over $76 million in local wildfire safety measures; more than 700
communities in 40 states are active members, and in Texas, nearly 60
communities have received the Firewise designation by obtaining a
risk assessment, creating an action plan, conducting a public
education event, and completing a community project that decreases
the threat of wildfire; and
WHEREAS, Wildfires are a growing source of concern across the
Lone Star State due to extended drought and rapid urbanization, but
residents can reduce the risk to lives and property by taking
meaningful action through membership in Firewise Communities; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby encourage participation in the National Fire
Protection Association's Firewise Communities program; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the House of
Representatives forward official copies of this resolution to Texas
Community Association Advocates, to the Texas Association of
Counties, and to the Texas Municipal League.