6E

The counties are mainly in the Rio Grande valley of Texas and are characterized by mesquite dominated rangeland. Other counties in New Mexico and Colorado are also rangeland dominated. This area does not experience many ignitions but once a fire starts it can burn large areas. This is a very high demographic stress area with a high Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) density. The response capacity to fire can be an issue due to the high stress and roadless areas.

Example of a Typical County — Val Verde County, Texas: This US-Mexico border county experienced large fires in 2007, 2008 and 2011.

National Priorities

Vegetation and Fuels Moderate
Homes, Communities and Values at Risk High
Human-Caused Ignitions Very Low
Effective and Efficient Response:
There is moderate risk of large wildfires, more potential for resource benefits.

Policy Options and Opportunities

Vegetation and Fuels
These counties have a history of using prescribed fire and could expand or maintain use of this fuel management option.

Homes, Communities and Values at Risk
Individual homeowners can be proactive on home defensive actions.

Human-Caused Ignitions
Human caused ignitions are not as great here as in other parts of the country, but may deserve attention if a local situation dictates.

Effective and Efficient Wildfire Response
Response organizations continue to protect structures, treat fuels and target ignitions as local conditions apply.

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