Fire guard plan targets wildfire prevention
By David H. Waller
The Albany Volunteer Fire Department is spearheading efforts to establish a fire guard and implement back-burn strategies to mitigate wildfire risks to the city. Fire Chief Joel Viertel outlined the plan, which includes creating a 30-foot-wide fire guard around the city limits and conducting back burns of 300 to 500 feet to combat potential fires fueled by high winds from the south and west.
The idea stems from lessons learned in Fritz, a small Panhandle town that successfully weathered a wildfire due to its 300-foot fire guard. Fritz mayor noted“While the 300-foot guard worked, a 500-foot guard would have been even more effective.” The panhandle fire jumped the 300 foot in a couple of places, but they were able to stop it.
The Forestry Service has pledged annual maintenance of the fire guard, providing dozers to cut the lane as well as support during the burn. The Albany Fire Dept and Rural Fire Department will also be on hand to provide support. Landowners are urged to participate in this initiative, with Fire Chief Viertel encouraging them to reach out directly via phone at 325-762-0516 or email at albanyvfdtx@gmail.com.
Ryan Walser, a fire specialist and pro burner with experience ranging from Canada to Mexico, is lending his expertise to the project. His involvement, along with support from Forestry Services, ensures a strategic approach to wildfire prevention.
The plan targets specific areas around Albany, including stretches from Highway 6 to 180 and near the Baird highway.
Addressing potential concerns from landowners, Viertel emphasized that the 30-foot fire guard offers added comfort and protection. He reassured property owners that the burns will be carefully managed, with trucks and crews on site to ensure safety.
With the recent hard freeze leaving grasses primed for ignition, the department is pushing for swift action. “We need to expedite this process. You never know when a wildfire might strike,” Viertel stated.
The community is encouraged to stay informed and lend their support to this vital initiative. Further updates and detailed maps of the proposed fire guard areas will be shared as the project progresses.
