Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX.
When you own a business, property damage is an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. Property damage can be caused by any number of disasters, both natural and man-made. Most often, however, property damage happens from an excess of water. From very heavy rainstorms to broken pipes, water damage can be incredibly harmful not just for your storefront but for your customers.
When water spreads through your commercial property, it happens quickly, causing damage as it moves. At the same time, furnishings and porous materials soak up moisture. In just a short amount of time, you could be dealing with warping, rotting, and even mold growth. That's why water damage remediation is so important - to address your current damage and prevent water from making your business unsafe.
At Atlas National Renovations, we know that dealing with water damage seems like a losing effort on your own. But when you trust our water damage restoration team, you don't have to lose hope. We provide comprehensive water remediation services for businesses of all size in Texas. From the first time we lay eyes on your water damage to the time we mitigate your problem, we're here for you. With a team of IICRC certified technicians and innovative restoration tools at our disposal, we specialize in making your business safe again.
Unlike some of our competitors, we are fiercely dedicated to our clients and aim to exceed their expectations with the highest quality water damage restoration services in Balch Springs, TX. When water damage hits your business, time is of the essence, which is why we get to work quickly and efficiently by assessing the damage to your property. Once we know the extent of your water damage, we'll consult with you about its severity and detail the next steps you should take so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
With decades of combined experience, there is no disaster cleanup project too complex or large for our team to handle. We assist small businesses, large commercial entities, and even multi-family apartment complexes. Our clients trust Atlas National Renovations to keep them dry, safe, and secure, and it would be our pleasure to help do the same for you.
In addition to our reliability and quality of work, our customers choose us over others because we offer:
Restoration Services
- Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX.
- What is Water Damage Restoration in in Balch Springs, TX
- Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Balch Springs, TX
- Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX
- Capital Expenditure Services
- Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
- Discover the Atlas Difference
Service Areas
Fair, Accurate Work Estimates
We drain water from your property, not money from your bank account.
Clear, Constant Communication
When you work with Atlas, you're never left wondering what's happening with your commercial property.
Detailed Deadlines and Schedules
We're meticulous about sticking to schedules and meeting deadlines. You can always expect us to be on time and ready to work.
Experienced Project Managers
We assign seasoned, hardworking project managers for each of our projects. When you work with Atlas, you're working with the best.
Courteous and Knowledgeable Leadership
Excellence starts at the top, and our leadership team is the best in the business.
Atlas National Renovations Multi-Family and Commercial Renovation Experts
Free ConsultationWhat is Water Damage Restoration in in Balch Springs, TX
If you're currently dealing with serious water damage from a flood, broken pipe, or other cause, you're probably not sure what to do next. While it's understandable to feel panicky, it's important that you have the water removed as quickly as possible. When structural damage and health hazards are at play, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get. The damage you see with your eyes is usually the tip of the iceberg - most water damage gets deep in your carpets and walls fast.
Atlas' water damage restoration services are focused on restoring and repairing the damage that water causes to commercial property. The primary purpose of our restoration services is to return your property to the condition it was in prior to the damage. Once your water damage has been mitigated, our team swoops in to begin the restoration process.
Depending on the scope and severity of your water damage, common water damage restoration services can include:
- Damaged Flooring and Wall Replacement
- Damaged Roof Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Humidity and Moisture Testing
While little can be done to predict natural disasters, there are common signs you can keep an eye on to prevent serious water damage from occurring.

Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Balch Springs, TX
There's no convenient time to be sidelined with water damage when it comes to your commercial property and business. Water damage to your commercial or industrial property is particularly devastating because every hour that your business is closed means lost revenue and productivity. You do not just have to deal with damage to the structural integrity of your building - you have to deal with the disruption of service to your loyal customers.
The good news? Atlas is here when you need us most, with a team of highly-trained technicians and unmatched water damage restoration expertise. We're ready to tackle your problem and solve it in an efficient, effective manner, so you can keep your doors open and your clients happy.
As a business owner, you know that one of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. For that reason, keep an eye out for the following signs of water damage to your commercial property:


Look for Mold:
Mold can begin to grow just a day or two after water has taken hold of your business. If you see small signs of mold growth in an area where you suspect a leak, contact Atlas National Renovations ASAP to diagnose the problem.

Check Your Pipes:
If it's safe to do so, check out the piping inside and outside your commercial property. You want to keep a keen eye out for oxidation and corrosion around pipe fixtures. While you're at it, check your water heater for rust too. Corrosion or rust is a telltale sign of a water leak.

Check for Rings:
Dark spots on walls and ceilings usually indicate water damage. If you see rings around a stain, the damage is probably older. Several rings with different shades of color mean an intermittent issue, where the area has been soaked and dried several times.

Understand Your Property:
This is more of a suggestion than a sign. As the commercial property owner, you should know your building's pipe system. You should know what is old and new and what areas may be at risk for water damage. Keep an extra-close eye on areas that have a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms.
Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration
in Balch Springs, TX
When water invades your business or commercial property, you don't have much time to ponder your next course of action. While some business owners opt to try DIY water damage restoration, in most cases, they end up with more damage and expenses than before their leak. For the most effective, comprehensive solution to water damage, it's important that you hire a professional. At Atlas National Renovations, our primary focus is assisting business owners and commercial property managers with water damage restoration. We've been doing it for years, and we can help you too.
Here are just a few of the most common benefits we hear from past customers:

Safe Shopping Experience
If you own a business, the health and safety of your customers is of utmost importance. When water damage occurs inside your storefront, you could be dealing with more than property damage. Depending on the severity of your issue, contaminants and microorganisms may be present, putting your customers' health at risk. When you trust a professional water damage restoration company like Atlas to remediate your water leak, you're not just putting a stop to the leak. Our team will clean and sanitize your business, making it safe for customers to continue shopping at your store.
Quick Response Time
Water damage can create unbearable conditions in your commercial property. As such, your water restoration company must be quick to respond. Professional water damage companies like Atlas respond quickly and can clean up water, dry and disinfect the area, and make necessary repairs. Because we have an entire team of pros and industry-leading equipment, we can be on site in minutes.
Less Damage, Better Costs
Water damage can be very expensive. Sometimes, it only takes a couple of hours to result in heavy losses. How soon you call the experts could mean the difference between painting over a water stain and having to rebuild an entire area of damaged drywall. When you call Atlas immediately, clients often reduce the cost of water damage restoration and overall building damage.
Capital Expenditure Services
In addition to our disaster recovery services, we also offer large-scale upgrades and improvements for your capital expenditures. If you own or manage a large commercial building or a multi-family property, you need to make sure your capital expenditures maintain present operating levels and foster your company's future growth.
At Atlas National Renovations, class A, B, and C properties are our bread and butter. We take the time to understand our customer's needs and expectations from the start so we can deliver outstanding results. If you're looking for a top-tier contractor to do the job right the first time, look no further than Atlas. Our customers love our team because we make large, highly-complicated projects easy to finish.
If you're looking to invest in the future of your business, know that we are here to help with projects like these:
- High Volume Unit Upgrades and Improvements
- Amenity Upgrades and Conversions
- Common Area Improvements
- High Volume Carpet, LVT, and Tile Installation
- Courtyards and Hardscapes
- Package Room and Mail Center Upgrades and Additions
- Fitness Center Upgrades and Improvements
- Dog Parks and Pet Stations
- Signage Improvements and Additions
- LED Lighting and Electrical Upgrades
Fitness Center Upgrades
and Improvements
Free Consultation
Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
New multi-family properties are entering the market every day. That means that older communities must be renovated to keep up with modern demands and tenant needs. Upgrades to amenities, aesthetics and even structural changes help assets stay up-to-date. At the same time, damages from leaks and storms must be addressed. If you're a multi-family property manager or owner, and need unmatched restoration capability, Atlas National Renovations is here to serve you.
We specialize in cutting-edge, high-quality ways to achieve your renovation goals - for your tenants but also for your corporate leaders and management team. After all, a successful multi-family renovation benefits all parties.
We currently work with the top multi-family groups across our state. Unlike some multi-family renovation companies in Texas, our team understands the inner workings of the multi-family environment. Our customers appreciate our accommodations to their residents, maintenance team, leasing team, corporate leaders, and beyond. We're proud to say we know multi-family, inside and out, and have the credentials to back up those claims.
When crafting a multi-family restoration plan, we always consider your tenant's demographics, your building's curb appeal, property age, and energy efficiency. Whether you need to have significant updates applied to an older property or need a water damage inspection for a brand-new building, we can help.
Here is a quick glance at some of the multi-family renovations that our team handles:
- Leak Detection and Water Intrusion Investigation
- Exterior Sealants and Waterproofing
- Large Interior and Exterior Paint Projects
- Stucco Remediation and Exterior Facade Re-Clads
- Full Property Exterior Repaints
- Concrete and Flatwork
- Corridor and Common Area Painting
- Roof Replacement
Before / After






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Discover the
Atlas Difference
Water damage restoration is a crucial, complex process that must be completed properly to save your business from serious damage. Choosing the right professional is equally important, especially when your customers' health is on the line. Whether you need large-scale commercial restoration or quick, effective water damage cleanup for your storefront business, know that we are only a phone call away. Contact our friendly team of experts to learn more about Atlas National Renovations and how we clean up your water damage mess better than the rest.

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Latest News in Balch Springs, TX
Balch Springs: Looking back at the fire that spread into nearby homes
wfaa.comhttps://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/one-year-anniversary-balch-springs-fire-2022/287-b041e723-079e-4f5f-9e5b-1d212899d4f1
Aerial views of the fire showed flames spreading through backyards and homes. In total, 26 homes were affected. Some burned to the ground, while others were damaged.BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — It’s been one year since the Balch Springs fire started in an empty field, spreading quickly to homes at Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road.Aerial views of the...
Aerial views of the fire showed flames spreading through backyards and homes. In total, 26 homes were affected. Some burned to the ground, while others were damaged.
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — It’s been one year since the Balch Springs fire started in an empty field, spreading quickly to homes at Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road.
Aerial views of the fire showed flames spreading through backyards and homes. In total, 26 homes were affected. Some burned to the ground while others were damaged.
It's believed the fire started after crews cutting grass on the nearby field may have struck a metal object, causing sparks, according to the Balch Springs city manager at the time.
Adut Kual said she still feels anxiety from July 25, 2022. She said her two-year-old son was the first to notice something wrong that day.
“He was like, ‘mommy, fire!’,” Kual said.
Kual said her son was, ironically, playing with his firetruck toy. She thought he was playing around, but he kept repeating the word ‘fire.’
“I was like, what do you mean fire?” Kual said.
When Kual finally looked out the window, her back fence had already burned down. Flames were spreading quickly toward her home, and black smoke filled the air.
“Us, we’re running out, we didn’t have no shoes, nothing,” Kual said.
Kual said a neighbor gave her and her family shoes to wear as people began to gather at a distance to watch the fire burn in their neighborhood.
On Kual’s property, the fire burned down her fence and charred her backyard. The flames made it to the back walls of her home but stopped there. Burn marks in her yard and a blackened fence post remind Kual of how scared she was that day.
“The house, the things that I have inside, the most important memories, you know the pictures we brought from back home – brought here..." Kual said of her fears that day. "Everything will be gone."
Homes on either side of Kual's were damaged or destroyed.
Willie Brooks watched the fire from his house down the street. He said when he walked outside that afternoon, the smoke in the air was so dark you could hardly see in front of you.
Brooks said it was a helpless feeling.
"There was nothing you could do about it except sit there and watch it burn down," Brooks said of the homes.
Brooks said he was concerned the fire may jump the street and burn other homes.
"Just about everyone around was getting their water hose and spraying houses," Brooks said.
He hoped if that happened, a wet roof and wet grass would help salvage his property.
Brooks said he knew two people who did not have a home to return to after the fire. One is rebuilding, the other decided not to return.
He said he understands why.
“It was gonna be traumatic," Brooks said. "Unless you are unhuman, you couldn’t help but feel bad."
While a lot has changed in the area of the Balch Springs fire, what remains is the memory of what a hot, dry day can bring.
"It feels like it was yesterday," Kual said.
Balch Springs residents say shopping cart buildup is creating a safety risk
J.D. Mileshttps://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/balch-springs-residents-say-shopping-cart-build-up-is-creating-a-safety-risk/
BALCH SPRINGS (CBSNewsTexas.com) – One of the inherent dangers of these severe storms is so much rain, causing flash flooding.There's even more concern in one area between Dallas and Balch Springs, where some residents say the buildup of man made debris is creating a serious safety risk.If you want an old shopping cart, there's always plenty to choose from at the bottom of a concrete ravine under Lake June Road.Ken Winn removed 33 out of there recently and a handful more while on Thursday.Wa...
BALCH SPRINGS (CBSNewsTexas.com) – One of the inherent dangers of these severe storms is so much rain, causing flash flooding.
There's even more concern in one area between Dallas and Balch Springs, where some residents say the buildup of man made debris is creating a serious safety risk.
If you want an old shopping cart, there's always plenty to choose from at the bottom of a concrete ravine under Lake June Road.
Ken Winn removed 33 out of there recently and a handful more while on Thursday.
Water from heavy rains can flow through the shopping carts, but when they get clogged with other debris, they can cause the water to back up in a part of North Texas already prone to flash flooding.
Winn has taken it upon himself to get as many out as he can every week.
"I feel like I'm making a difference doing something that needs to be done, because nobody else will do it," Winn said.
The carts are disposed of by the homeless after being used bring items to a nearby scrap metal plant in exchange for money.
CBS News Texas asked the cities of Dallas and Balch Springs about the build up, but have yet to receive a response.
Winn says he has trouble getting stores to take the carts back.
"If the stores don't claim them, I donate them to food banks," he said.
He doesn't want to think about what the area would look like if he didn't care about his neighborhood or worry about the flood risk.
"There's not much one man can do, but I've been doing my part but I know one of these days it will be a serious problem," Winn said.
One civil engineer said if one part or section of a storm drainage system fails, it can easily cause others to back up as well.
So, what's happening here could cause problems elsewhere.
Right now, only one man is keeping this from looking a lot worse.
J.D. Miles is an award-winning reporter who has been covering North Texas for CBS 11 since 1996.
Insurance company sues owner of vacant lot where the Balch Springs grass fire started
Isabella Volmerthttps://www.dallasnews.com/news/courts/2022/10/11/insurance-company-sues-owner-of-vacant-lot-where-the-balch-springs-grass-fire-started/
The insurance company for three Balch Springs homeowners whose properties were damaged in a July 25 grass fire is suing the owner of the vacant lot where the fire started.State Farm Lloyds, the insurance company for Edgar Cruz, Mario Thompson and Miguel Quinonez, filed the lawsuit Friday in Dallas County to recover the amount it paid out on their claims — at least $1 million — from Sikk...
The insurance company for three Balch Springs homeowners whose properties were damaged in a July 25 grass fire is suing the owner of the vacant lot where the fire started.
State Farm Lloyds, the insurance company for Edgar Cruz, Mario Thompson and Miguel Quinonez, filed the lawsuit Friday in Dallas County to recover the amount it paid out on their claims — at least $1 million — from Sikka Investments.
Multiple phone calls made to numbers listed for Sikka Investments were not returned Tuesday.
The three homeowners lived on Broadview and Elm Point drives in the Spring Ridge subdivision, the neighborhood adjacent to the 67-acre lot where the fire started.
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Sikka Investments had a citation to appear in court over a code violation for tall grass and hired mowers to cut the grass — later described as “a heavy amount of fuel” — during the notably dry summer. The fire started, authorities said, when a mower blade sparked against a sharp object and ignited the field.
“And once ignited, there’s just a whole lot of material to burn at that point,” Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis said in August.
The fire spread quickly and damaged 27 homes, destroying nine of them. The lawsuit says the three residents’ homes were destroyed or damaged to the point they were uninhabitable.
At the time of the fire, authorities estimated total property damage exceeded $6 million.
Doug Heuvel, an attorney representing State Farm Lloyds, expected other insurers will join the lawsuit.
Sikka Investments owns five similar vacant lots across Dallas County, according to appraisal records. One of the similar properties in Irving is the site of a code violation issued in August for “grass/weeds in excess of 10 inches.”
Documents show the group also had at least one code violation — issued in early July — in Dallas for grass in excess of 12 inches on a Buckner Boulevard property.
The six properties, including the site of the Balch Springs fire, are located at the corners of major roads and all but one are adjacent to gas stations. Two properties border residential neighborhoods, similar to how the Balch Springs property borders the Spring Ridge subdivision.
Sikka Investments acquired the Balch Springs land, on the corner of Belt Line Road and Interstate 20, in May 2014, according to Dallas County appraisal records. The company sold part of the property, the current location of a Fox Fuels gas station, in September 2021 to Mountain Express Oil Co., a gas station real estate and distribution company based in Georgia.
Balch Springs issued a citation to the owners of the vacant field to appear in court following two requests to cut the grass, which had grown past code standards, authorities said at the time of the blaze. Residents have said they complained to the city multiple times about the overgrowth and height of the grass.
‘A pile of ashes’ – Balch Springs residents return to what’s left of their homes after fire
Pablo Arauz Peñahttps://www.keranews.org/news/2022-07-27/a-pile-of-ashes-balch-springs-residents-return-to-whats-left-of-their-homes-after-fire
Local organizations are taking donations to help the families impacted by the July 25 fire including Sharing Life in Mesquite and the City of Balch Springs.Late Tuesday morning, Mitch Ryan arrived at what was left of his home after a brush fire s...
Local organizations are taking donations to help the families impacted by the July 25 fire including Sharing Life in Mesquite and the City of Balch Springs.
Late Tuesday morning, Mitch Ryan arrived at what was left of his home after a brush fire swept through the area the day before. It’s the house where his granddaughter took her first steps and had her first birthday party.
“We've had first-time memories that were lifetime memories we've had here,” Ryan said. “It's just so upsetting to know that, you know, we got to leave all that....”
Ryan and his family were not at home when the fire swept through Balch Springs. His two dogs were in the house, but a nearby friend saved them.
Ryan assessed the damage and collected what was left of his home in 100-degree heat. Among the few things that his family was able to salvage were several pairs of shoes, his wife Rachel’s wedding dress and epilepsy medications.
Now, the Ryan family has to start over again.
"God has a bigger plan for us,” Ryan said.
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Ryan’s neighbor, Andre Camp was in shock and disbelief as his home of 16 years was engulfed in a cloud of smoke and fire on Monday.
“Family memories, years and years of hard work, you know, in a pile of ashes basically,” Camp said.
Camp said his family is staying with his mom while he starts to file insurance claims. He's thankful that no one was hurt and that his family is safe.
A couple of houses down, Wilfredo Gomez took in what was left of his family's home of 14 years. All that remained after the fire was the front structure and a slumped-over garage door.
"For it to be gone, like their life savings was in there," Gomez said. "Like, man, all our clothes, their anniversaries, wedding, everything – family pictures. Everything is gone."
Gomez said his brother was about to take a shower when the fire approached, and he narrowly escaped. He says it will take a long time for his family to recover from these losses.
“I hope we all get back on our feet and how we were, you know," he said. "It just brings you back. It just brought us back 20 years."
Got a tip? Email Pablo Arauz Peña at parauzpena@kera.org
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Balch Springs Wildfire Hits Close To Home During Devastating Drought
April Toweryhttps://candysdirt.com/2022/08/04/balch-springs-wildfire-hits-close-to-home-during-devastating-drought/
As the Texas drought rages on, Smokey Bear’s reminder that it just takes one spark to create a devastating wildfire is hitting home.Twenty-six homes were damaged and nine destroyed in a Balch Springs “inferno” July 25. No injuries were reported. And with Wednesday’s news of a grass fire in Frisco near Legacy Drive — thankful...
As the Texas drought rages on, Smokey Bear’s reminder that it just takes one spark to create a devastating wildfire is hitting home.
Twenty-six homes were damaged and nine destroyed in a Balch Springs “inferno” July 25. No injuries were reported. And with Wednesday’s news of a grass fire in Frisco near Legacy Drive — thankfully no one was injured and no structures were damaged – the need to prevent wildfires from starting is top of mind.
The Balch Springs blaze reportedly sparked from a “brush hogger” cutting tall, dry grass up to 6 feet tall. An active code violation was pending against the property owner, who owns 67 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to a residential area. He’d hired a contractor to mow the lot, city officials said. Balch Springs code requires grass and weeds to be less than 10 inches.
High grass and weeds is the No. 1 code violation in Dallas; property owners are required to keep it at 12 inches or lower. Violations can result in court citations or a bill for the city’s mowing services.
Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis said in his 20 years on the job, he hasn’t seen anything like this happen in the small community about 15 miles east of downtown Dallas.
“There was debris, junk, concrete, and metal buried in the grass,” Davis said. “[The contractor] was dragging a brush hog behind a tractor. As he was cutting, there was a large amount of grass behind it. Brush hogging is just knocking it down; it’s not a clean kind of mowing.”
The city of about 20,000 is adjacent to Mesquite. There’s one fire department, staffed by approximately 30 volunteers, but firefighters from neighboring communities assisted in battling the blaze through a mutual aid agreement. His first call as the fire gained momentum July 25 was to the Dallas Fire Department, Davis said.
Texas-Sized Tinderbox
Only 30 of the Lone Star State’s 254 counties are not currently under a burn ban — the most in the state since 4 million acres were scorched in 2011.
Residents aren’t allowed to burn trash right now, but things like a catalytic converter, chains dragging behind a vehicle, or welding can create a spark. Texas A&M Forest Service reports that 90 percent of wildfires are human-caused, as opposed to naturally-occurring events such as lightning. More than 210,000 acres of Texas land have burned this year to date.
“As conditions continue to deteriorate for much of the state, we remain proactive in ensuring the state has the necessary resources to respond to any wildfire,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Wes Moorehead. “Wildfire activity is occurring across the state, from border to border, and requires a lot of support. Texas A&M Forest Service continues to mobilize additional firefighters, equipment, and aircraft, positioning them across the state for a quick response.”
Coupled with low humidity and high winds, dry grass becomes a tinder box of “fuel,” ripe for a wildfire, Davis explained. The blaze in Balch Springs ripped through a neighborhood in about 40 minutes, the fire marshal added.
“That grass was fire fuel,” Davis said. “It was something for the fire to burn and consume. If it’s not there, it can’t be burned that rapidly. I hesitate to say this, but every home in that area that had some kind of covered back patio, deck, or pergola, burned. I’m afraid it was the wood in those structures that caught fire and introduced the fire to the homes.”
A light shower isn’t going to change the widespread drought conditions, Davis cautioned.
“The vegetation is dead; it’s not going to absorb anything,” he said.
Most of the state is “absolutely dry,” according to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
“Persistent temperatures above 100 degrees will continue to draw moisture from live vegetation,” Texas A&M Forest Service experts said in a press release. “Mid-July live fuel samples in the Cross Timbers, Rolling Plains, and Hill Country are at critical levels, making tree torching, or the transition of fire from the ground to the canopy of trees, likely with elevated fire weather conditions.”
Water Shortages
As the thermometer hangs in the triple digits, residents are fighting outrageous electric bills just to keep their homes air-conditioned. Watering the lawn has also become a challenge in small Texas towns where homeowners have been asked to conserve.
The city of Gunter, a small Grayson county Community near Sherman and Celina, recently asked its residents to “severely restrict non-essential water usage” like outdoor watering, washing machines, and dishwashers. They’ve also been asked to limit the use of showers and sinks. The shortage occurred due to “excessive use of water,” city officials announced July 27.
A message on the city website Wednesday said phones were down at City Hall, and no current information was posted about the water issue. More than 2,000 residents live in the community.
Dry grass, compounded by the inability to water it, puts rural communities at an even higher risk for wildfire, experts say. However, James McAfee with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service says most people don’t know how to properly water their lawns.
Homeowners should be aware of soil type, grass variety, management practices, and environmental conditions when developing a watering plan, McAfee said.
“Environmental conditions affect the water requirements of a lawn,” he said. “With low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds, water is quickly lost from the soil by transpiration and evaporation, and grass will need watering more often. When the weather is cool, humid, and less windy, grass will need less water.”
Who is Most at Risk?
Davis emphasized that residents in developed suburban areas who live on less than an acre and keep their yards mowed don’t have a lot to worry about when it comes to wildfire.
“If you’re in a residential neighborhood and someone’s barbecue grill falls over and your grass is 1 or 2 inches in height, it might cause some fence damage, but it’s nothing that can’t be put out with a fire hose,” Davis said.
The Balch Springs fire happened in an area of dry, dense, thick grass cluttered with debris that didn’t belong to the people who lost their homes, Davis pointed out. It wasn’t their fault — or their responsibility — and yet they’re now living in hotels and awaiting assistance from the American Red Cross and local charities.
“As DFW continues to grow and develop, we’ve got neighborhoods popping up all over,” he said. “They grow and develop adjacent to vacant, undeveloped land waiting for things like commercial retail. When you’re bordering large acreage, if [the property owner is] not mowing it, I would go back behind my house and mow.”
As the Balch Springs community rebuilds, Davis has encouraged residents to get rid of debris in their yards, cords of firewood stacked against the house, and “the old boat you’ve been planning to fix up.”
And he can’t say it enough: cut the grass.
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