Leander Homes Could Burn to the Ground Because of Southwest Regional Park: Report

If Southwest Regional Park isn’t cleaned up soon, Leander homes on its outskirts could burn to the ground, according to a FEMA report.

The Southwest Regional Park, which is essentially in the backyard of many Leander homes, could be a wildfire waiting to happen.

To help reduce these potentially catastrophic blazes, Williamson County will participate in a fire-mitigation plan to be partially funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The project will get rid of “highly-flammable” dead and diseased vegetation and trim thick tree brush, the report said.

On Dec. 15, the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the county’s participation in the program, the American-Statesman reported. Up to $480,000 in FEMA funding could be on its way to help clear flammable brush out of the park. The job could also cost Williamson County $120,000.

A long-term drought that has caused hazardous fuel such as dry brush to accumulate in the park has dramatically increased the risk of wildfires. If nothing were to be done about the problem, this risk would remain enormous

“Because existing wildfire hazards in Williamson County would not be reduced under the no action alternative, the probability of loss of life and property in a wildfire would continue to be unacceptably high,” the report stated. “A major wildfire could also have severe temporary impacts on environmental resources (i.e., air quality, water quality, and emergency services). Fighting a major wildfire could require large quantities of water at a time when water resources are already strained by drought.”

The fires would also threaten federally endangered species such as the Golden-cheeked warbler that call the park home.

There have been 831 reported wildfires in Williamson County over the past five years that have “burned 5,668 acres, threatened 804 homes, and damaged or destroyed 32 homes,” according to the report.

The 12-week project is expected to take place between 2015 and 2016.