Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize additional state emergency response resources due to an increased risk of wildfires and potential flooding in Texas. The Governor also amended and renewed the state’s wildfire disaster declaration, now covering 179 counties.
“Elevated wildfire conditions and flood risk continue to pose a threat across the state of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional resources in preparation for potential wildfires in the eastern half of the state and severe flooding in West Texas. Texas will remain vigilant and continue to provide all necessary resources to protect Texans from wildfire and flood threats.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that dry vegetation, high winds, and above-average temperatures have expanded wildfire risks, especially in the eastern part of the state. The agency raised its Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, signaling that several regions are affected by drought or frequent fire weather events. Over 50 wildfires have burned more than 3,000 acres statewide in the past week.
The National Weather Service warns that storms moving north from the eastern Pacific over Mexico into Far West Texas could bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely and follow instructions from emergency officials.
In response, multiple agencies are deploying personnel and equipment. Resources include over 350 firefighters, more than 125 pieces of firefighting equipment, over 35 federally contracted aircraft for fire suppression, swiftwater rescue teams for floods, road monitoring personnel, highway patrol troopers, game wardens, disaster assessment agents, animal health coordinators, power outage monitors, natural gas supply overseers, environmental quality monitors, and staff providing information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network.
Texans are encouraged to prepare by making emergency plans, following official guidance during emergencies, keeping supplies ready at hand, and accessing safety tips at TexasReady.gov. Wildfire prevention information is available at tfsweb.tamu.edu, road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org, and all-hazards preparedness tips are posted at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott stated that he will continue to ensure all necessary resources are provided to help local communities respond to wildfire impacts. Actions taken include activating additional wildfire response assets ahead of increased threats and directing TDEM to issue a disaster declaration for wildfire danger.
