Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional wildfire response resources as elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions are forecasted for large portions of South, West, and Northwest Texas this week.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to thwart any wildfire threats in our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional resources in preparation of potential wildfire danger this week. Texans are urged to create an emergency plan, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and limit any activites that can cause a spark to best keep themselves and loved ones safe.”
The National Weather Service predicts increased fire risk today in parts of South Texas and tomorrow in the Panhandle due to dry fuels, strong winds, and above-average temperatures. Critical fire weather is expected midweek across the High Plains, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Bend, and West Texas regions—especially on Tuesday—when wind gusts and low humidity could significantly raise wildfire danger. This heightened risk may persist through late week.
At Governor Abbott’s direction, several agencies remain engaged in supporting local firefighting efforts:
– The Texas A&M Forest Service has deployed more than 250 personnel from various agencies along with over 75 pieces of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders. Additionally, more than 25 federally contracted aircraft—including large air tankers for retardant drops and helicopters for water drops—are available.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services has provided Wildland Fire and Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas National Guard is operating Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters equipped for firefighting.
– The Texas Department of Transportation monitors road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety has troopers patrolling roadways and assisting motorists.
– Game Wardens from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are involved along with State Park Police.
– Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Animal Health Commission are supporting agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission is monitoring power outages in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission oversees natural gas supply monitoring.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality conducts air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
These assets supplement previously deployed state resources.
Texans are encouraged to make emergency plans, prepare supply kits, and avoid activities that could start fires. Wildfire safety tips are available at tfsweb.tamu.edu and TexasReady.gov; broader disaster preparedness information can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has continued actions aimed at protecting residents from wildfires by updating disaster declarations when needed; deploying extra resources ahead of hazardous conditions; renewing or amending existing declarations; mobilizing support as risks rise; activating additional response teams; directing TDEM activation; and issuing formal disaster declarations when warranted.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott maintains its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website. Greg Abbott was elected governor in 2014 and continues leading statewide efforts focused on job creation, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, economic opportunities expansion, and southern border security across all regions. Under his leadership the office also contributed to record employment levels in recent years, while Greg Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official sources.
