Take Steps to Prepare Now Saturday is National Wildfire Community Preparedness day across the nation. As Austinites enjoy the spring weather, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) and partner agencies offer tips on getting prepared to reduce wildfire risk. AFD has already seen an early season increase in brush and grass fires this spring. Drought conditions, vegetation, hills, summer heat, and regular windy and dry weather across Central Texas will present serious wildfire risks through the summer and fall seasons. “Even though we are currently receiving rain, overall, we are still in a rain deficit. With expected rising temperatures, there could be similar severe drying trends to what our community experienced in 2011,” said Wildfire Division Chief Carrie Stewart. “When comparing these weather patterns, we recognize the need for our community to harden their homes before anticipated drought conditions.”