Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Texas’ request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help fight the 8 Ball Fire. The wildfire began in Armstrong County and spread into Donley County, threatening homes and infrastructure in the Panhandle region. Local evacuations have taken place as a result.
“Texas continues to work around the clock to provide all necessary resources to those affected by the 8 Ball Fire,” said Governor Abbott. “With this FEMA grant, our brave wildfire response teams will be further equipped to manage and contain fires in the Panhandle. I thank the Trump Administration and FEMA for swiftly approving this funding and thank our heroic emergency personnel for their efforts to protect their fellow Texans.”
As of this morning, officials report that the fire has burned about 13,000 acres and is 55 percent contained. Approximately 400 homes have been evacuated, with more than 1,100 at risk. Some residents have returned home, but state and local teams continue working on suppression, containment, and public safety.
The FMAG approval allows Texas to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for eligible firefighting costs. These grants support states and local jurisdictions in managing fires that could cause major disasters.
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level II (Escalated Response), with emergency resources deployed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management under direction from Governor Abbott.
Residents can access wildfire information—including safety tips, fire maps, and damage reporting—through the TDEM Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
Governor Abbott outlined additional steps being taken: increasing readiness levels at the Emergency Operations Center ahead of critical fire weather conditions and activating extra state wildfire response resources when danger is high.
According to information from the official website, Governor Greg Abbott’s office is headquartered in Austin at the State Insurance Building. The office focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schools, and border security. Greg Abbott has led as governor since his election in 2014 and was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024. Under his leadership, Texas has achieved growth in jobs and record employment levels while providing services statewide across Texas.
