Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy additional state resources in response to heightened wildfire risk affecting many areas across Texas.
“Texas is taking swift action against potential wildfire threats across our state,” Governor Abbott stated. “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 reports that a rapid drought onset has increased the likelihood of wildfires throughout the state. Elevated wind speeds, higher-than-normal temperatures, and very dry vegetation are expected to drive more wildfire activity in regions such as West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, Big Country, Texoma, Central Texas, East Texas, and Southeast Texas in the coming days. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Level 3, meaning multiple regions are being impacted by wildfire due to drought and dry conditions. In the past week alone, over 80 wildfires have burned more than 1,800 acres statewide.
At Governor Abbott’s direction, several state agencies are providing support for local wildfire response efforts. These include more than 450 firefighters and support staff from the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, along with over 150 pieces of equipment and more than 35 federally contracted firefighting aircraft. Medical support is being provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services with specialized wildland fire support packages. The TDEM State Incident Management Team is also assisting with emergency resource deployment.
Other agencies are contributing by monitoring road conditions (Texas Department of Transportation), patrolling highways (Texas Department of Public Safety), supporting wildlife and park safety (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), assisting with agricultural and livestock needs (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Animal Health Commission), and coordinating animal and agricultural resources (Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Department of Agriculture). Additional monitoring includes power outages (Public Utility Commission), natural gas supply (Railroad Commission), air and water quality (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality), and information services through the 2-1-1 network (Texas Health and Human Services Commission).
The Texas Emergency Management Council is also keeping watch on severe weather risks in North and Northeast Texas this weekend, which could include thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Residents are advised to follow local weather updates and emergency instructions.
Officials urge Texans to prepare for wildfires by making emergency plans, staying informed, and keeping emergency supplies ready. More information on wildfire safety is available at https://texasready.gov/ and wildfire prevention details can be found at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/. Additional preparedness tips are provided at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare/.
Governor Abbott has taken further steps in response to wildfire risks by amending the state’s disaster declaration, activating additional resources before anticipated threats, and instructing TDEM to maintain an active response posture.
