AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Across the city, Austin fire stations turned the dial from High to Extreme on wildfire risk signs near the street Wednesday. Fire risk reached its highest level as high winds, low humidity and plants nearing dormancy put the city on edge.

"We respond to over 100 grass fires throughout the year," said Jonathan Wright, a wildfire mitigation specialist with Austin Fire.

Wright said that a small ember from dragging chains or a tossed-out cigarette butt is all it would take to start an inferno. "You don't need flames going directly up to your front door in order for a structure to burn," said Walter Flocke, fire analyst with Texas A&M Forest Service. He said that fire is a natural part of Texas.

The National Weather Service declared a Fire Weather Watch for the area on Wedne

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