BOERNE — The Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas announced the Hidden Springs subdivision has been officially recognized as Kendall County’s first “Firewise USA Community,” marking a major milestone in local wildfire preparedness and community resilience.
Kendall County Commissioners Court Judge Shane Stolarczyk on Tuesday issued a proclamation “recognizing their exemplary commitment to community safety and resilience,” proclaiming Hidden Springs subdivision the county’s first Firewise USA community.
The Firewise recognition, awarded through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in partnership with the Texas A&M Forest Service, identifies communities that have taken proactive, sustained steps to reduce wildfire risk at the neighborhood level.
Christie Wiley, director of the Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas, said Hidden Springs earned this designation through strong local leadership, resident engagement and collaboration with the Hill Country Fire Coalition.
“ This achievement reflects the commitment of the Hidden Springs community to protecting lives, homes and the natural landscape we all value,” Wiley said. “They are setting an example for the rest of Kendall County as we work together to build fire-adapted and resilient communities.”
To achieve recognition, Hidden Springs completed the following steps: * Wildfire Risk Assessment. A community-level risk assessment was completed, identifying local hazards and recommending mitigation strategies.
* Resident Board/Committee. The community formed a Firewise committee to develop and oversee a long-term action plan.
* Action Plan. Based on the assessment, the committee created a prioritized list of risk-reduction projects specific to their area.
* Educational Outreach. Residents participated in a Hill Country Fire Coalition Wildfire Preparedness workshop to strengthen understanding of local risks and mitigation options.
* Annual Wildfire Risk Reduction Investment. Hidden Springs committed to an annual investment in fuel reduction and community education activities, as required by the NFPA Firewise USA program.
These collective efforts demonstrate a strong community-wide dedication to reducing wildfire hazards and promoting long-term resilience, Wiley said.
In November, the Texas A&M Forest Service granted the Hill Country Fire Coalition the authority to manage all existing and prospective Firewise USA communities within Kendall County. Hidden Springs is the first to complete the new streamlined process.
“We are honored to support the residents of Hidden Springs,” Wiley said. “Their leadership shows what can be accomplished when neighbors work together to reduce risk. We look forward to helping many more communities across Kendall County achieve Firewise status.”
The Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas is a 501c3 nonprofit organization formed to implement the Kendall County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Through its Ignite Awareness program — focused on outreach, property assessments, community mitigation, and policy support — the Coalition works to reduce wildfire risk and create safer, more fire-adapted communities throughout Kendall County.
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