This fall marks the fifth driest on record with little rainfall over the last few months, Travis County Judge Andy Brown said during a press conference Oct. 20.

With dry weather conditions persisting, Central Texas confronts elevated wildfire risk.

In conjunction with a renewed wildfire disaster proclamation by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Travis County and city of Austin officials announced a local disaster declaration intended to prepare county and city resources for potential wildfires in the area.

“The risk is real,” Brown said.

Local disaster declarations let the city and county respond quickly to wildfire emergencies by temporarily bypassing the usual, often time-consuming contract and procurement processes—ensuring resources and support can reach affected areas without delay.

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