Hello Brazos Neighbors!  This is a great time to begin your fire mitigation activities for 2026.  Late Winter and early Spring are some of the best times to bring down big trees, cut scrub oak and begin planning to make your home or cabin ready before the fire season hits its full peak.  Preparing your house and property this time of year has the following benefits:

• Low impact to wildlife – This time of year the migrating birds have not yet arrived and the deer benefit from the easy access to downed trees and shrubs.
• Less fire danger from mitigation activities – It’s not unusual to shoot sparks when operating chainsaw and weed whackers and by cutting when the ground is moist there’s less likelihood that the sparks will ignite our drought weary forest.
• Easier to diagnose diseased and dying trees and shrubs – Some sick and infested trees are easier to identify during the winter.
• Stock pile fire wood now for the 2026-2027 season – Firewood cut now and split will have the full summer to dry and can possibly be ready for the 26-27 winter.
• Make a plan to volunteer to Brazos Firewise – We’ve a full slate of events planned for the summer and would love your help! Join us this summer and help your neighbors harden their homes and reduce fuels.  Regular Chipping events are held throughout the summer on the third Sunday of the month.  Plan to assist and get a workout hauling limbs and build community at the same time.  There’s a real sense of community among Brazos Firewise members and we’d love to get to know you!
• If you need contractor help, many contractors are looking to fill their schedules this Spring after the slow winter months and its likely they can get you scheduled. Our website at BrazosFirewise.com has a vendor list which can help you find people to cut, haul, rake or even masticate your larger lots.