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Fire victim warns of wildfire danger after Barton Creek fires

A woman who nearly lost everything in the Oak Hill fire nearly seven years ago shared some of the precautions those who live in wooded areas should take.

Fire officials said Thursday’s Barton Creek fires could have been a lot worse under different weather conditions, and it’s a reminder of just how vulnerable our area is.

It's been nearly seven years since the Oak Hill fire damaged homes in the Scenic Brook neighborhood. Janice Todd, a woman who's lived in the same home for 39 years, said when she heard of the fires being started in Barton Creek, it brought back bad memories.

“I thought how in the world could someone do that to innocent people and their lives and destroy their lives,” said Todd. “I’m so glad that they caught him.”

A homeless man's cooking fire spread to many homes in the Scenic Brook area in 2011.

Todd said after the smoke and flame all that was left were the walls of her home and the roof, but everything inside was rubble. She offered some advice to those who live in wooded areas like Barton Creek.

“Be on a constant lookout because that's truly the way we are here now, and I just live in fear of looking out and seeing smoke and what would I do,” said Todd. “And I know they have to do that also."

Captain Josh Anderson with the Austin Fire Wildfire Division said there are some precautions everyone should take to help prevent damage. He said people should take their patio cushions inside, trim bushes and trees, and rake up dead leaves on a regular basis. Anderson said it's also good to have an "evacuation kit" ready – with your important documents, medications, and bottled water.

Todd said it took her and her husband about a year and a half to rebuild their home. The biggest message she wants to send to others though: stay alert.

If you see smoke or a fire, she said call 911 right away.

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