How Do I Know If I'm At Wildfire Risk in Texas?
With wildfires becoming an increasingly urgent threat across the Lone Star State, every Texas homeowner should understand how to assess their exposure. Here's what you need to know.
Texas Is Facing Elevated Risk Right Now
The threat is not hypothetical. Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire response trended 136% above normal from October 2025 through mid-January 2026, with personnel responding to 434 wildfires burning over 11,000 acres in just four months — and that was before the traditional spring fire season. The National Interagency Fire Center's seasonal outlook projects above-normal wildfire risk for Texas through at least May 2026.
Check Your Address on the Risk Portal
The most direct way to know your personal risk is to look it up. You can use the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (TxWRAP) to check the wildfire risk for your home — just enter your address, and you'll get a detailed look at the risk for your property and the surrounding area. The portal uses fine 10-meter resolution data generated from custom fuel mapping via high-resolution satellite imagery, and incorporates current vegetation conditions and recent disturbances such as wildfires and prescribed burns for more accurate assessment.
Know the High-Risk Zones in Texas
Location matters enormously. Areas along and west of Interstate 35 — including the High Plains, Rolling Plains, and Southern Plains — carry heavy grass loads that could support large, hard-to-control fires under dry and windy conditions. The Hill Country and Cross Timbers also face exceptional grass loading and similar risks. The Texas A&M Forest Service also warns that risk is expected to continue spreading eastward and southward as the state experiences warm, dry conditions.
Watch for Warning Signs and Stay Informed
Certain conditions signal immediate elevated danger. Dry, hot, or windy weather significantly increases the likelihood of a wildfire starting or spreading. Experts advise avoiding any outdoor activities that could generate sparks — such as burning debris, mowing grass, or welding — during these conditions. Texans should also sign up for their local community emergency warning system, keep cell phones charged when wildfires may be nearby, and secure copies of important personal documents in case a rapid evacuation is needed.
Monitor Active Fires and Burn Bans
The Texas A&M Forest Service incident viewer provides real-time information on active and recently contained wildfires statewide, and the agency also tracks outdoor burn bans reported by county. Checking this regularly — especially during spring — is one of the simplest steps you can take to stay ahead of danger.
