Buffalo Gap Taking Proactive Measures To Guard Against Wild Fires
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: May 11, 2012
"The cedars and the mesquites had over taken 80% of the ranch," says John Clark.
Which eliminated the family's ability to grow any grass.
Clark continues, "Esthetically it was just a dense cedar forest."
Originally they decided clearing out the land would be a good way to help water get back to the fire shed, but that is not all it would do.
"Also to create a fire break for the community of Buffalo Gap that way to slow a fire should one be heading toward the community but also to provide a safe area for fire fighters to come in and work," explains Joe Kozlowski of the Texas Forest Service.
Something very important to take into consideration. Prior to this project, the land had a completely different appearance.
"Behind me is a house on the hill there and before we did this brush clearing you could not see the house because it was almost solid cedar," explains Clark.
Because of how dense it was, it left no way for emergency crews to get in and properly fight a blaze, should it ever happen.
"During all the fires last summer, we certainly had our concerns. If we got one down here we'd be in trouble," Clark adds.
In completing this project, Buffalo Gap is on the right track and the Texas Forest Service is encouraging other communities to take similar actions.
"Go out and learn how to take some proactive measures to prepare their land and their communities for wildfire," says Kozlowski.
Which eliminated the family's ability to grow any grass.
Clark continues, "Esthetically it was just a dense cedar forest."
Originally they decided clearing out the land would be a good way to help water get back to the fire shed, but that is not all it would do.
"Also to create a fire break for the community of Buffalo Gap that way to slow a fire should one be heading toward the community but also to provide a safe area for fire fighters to come in and work," explains Joe Kozlowski of the Texas Forest Service.
Something very important to take into consideration. Prior to this project, the land had a completely different appearance.
"Behind me is a house on the hill there and before we did this brush clearing you could not see the house because it was almost solid cedar," explains Clark.
Because of how dense it was, it left no way for emergency crews to get in and properly fight a blaze, should it ever happen.
"During all the fires last summer, we certainly had our concerns. If we got one down here we'd be in trouble," Clark adds.
In completing this project, Buffalo Gap is on the right track and the Texas Forest Service is encouraging other communities to take similar actions.
"Go out and learn how to take some proactive measures to prepare their land and their communities for wildfire," says Kozlowski.
