Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy additional resources in response to ongoing wildfire threats affecting large areas of Texas.
“Texas is taking swift action against potential wildfire threats across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to mobilize additional state wildfire response resources to assist local communities with any potential wildfire outbreaks. I strongly urge Texans to create an emergency plan, limit any activities that can cause a spark, and heed the guidance of local officials to keep yourself and your family safe.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that recent drought conditions have led to a higher risk of wildfires. Elevated wind speeds, higher-than-average temperatures, and very dry vegetation are expected over the coming days, increasing fire activity risk throughout the state. Areas particularly at risk include West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, Big Country, Texoma, Central Texas, East Texas, and Southeast Texas. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Level 3, which means several regions are being affected by wildfires due to drought and frequent fire weather events. In the past week alone, more than 80 wildfires have burned over 1,800 acres statewide.
In response, various state agencies have been mobilized under Governor Abbott’s direction. Resources include more than 450 firefighters and support personnel from multiple jurisdictions, over 150 pieces of equipment such as fire engines and bulldozers, and more than 35 federally contracted firefighting aircraft. Medical support packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services include medics and ambulances for affected areas.
Other agencies contributing to the effort are:
– The State Incident Management Team for resource coordination
– The Department of Transportation monitoring road conditions
– Highway Patrol Troopers assisting on roadways
– Game Wardens and Park Police providing law enforcement support
– Disaster Assessment Agents supporting agricultural needs
– Animal Health Commission coordinating animal-related resources
– Department of Agriculture managing agricultural assistance
– Public Utility Commission monitoring power outages
– Railroad Commission overseeing natural gas supplies
– Environmental Quality Commission monitoring air and water quality
– Health and Human Services providing information on available services
The Texas Emergency Management Council is also tracking forecasts for severe weather in North and Northeast Texas this weekend that may bring thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, or flash flooding.
Texans are encouraged to take steps for wildfire prevention by creating emergency plans and keeping supplies ready. Information about safety tips is available at TexasReady.gov; wildfire prevention details can be found at tfsweb.tamu.edu; all-hazards preparedness information is at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has recently amended disaster declarations related to wildfires and activated further emergency resources in anticipation of increased threats.
