Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize more state emergency response resources in anticipation of heightened wildfire danger and possible flooding across Texas. The announcement comes as weather conditions are expected to worsen, with dry vegetation, increased winds, and above-average temperatures raising the risk of wildfires, particularly in the eastern half of the state.
“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 has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, signaling that several regions are being affected by wildfire activity due to drought and frequent fire weather events. In the past week, over 50 wildfires have burned more than 3,000 acres statewide.
The National Weather Service has also warned that storms moving northward from the eastern Pacific over Mexico into Far West Texas could bring heavy rainfall, leading to a risk of flash flooding through the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on forecasts and follow instructions from emergency officials.
The Governor has amended and renewed the state’s wildfire disaster declaration, now covering 179 counties. Resources deployed include more than 350 firefighters and support personnel, over 125 pieces of firefighting equipment, and more than 35 federally contracted firefighting aircraft. Additional agencies involved are providing medical support, swiftwater rescue teams, road monitoring, law enforcement patrols, disaster assessment for agriculture, animal health coordination, power outage monitoring, natural gas supply oversight, environmental quality checks, and information services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network.
Texans are urged to take steps for wildfire prevention and preparedness by making emergency plans, keeping supplies accessible, following official guidance, and consulting resources such as TexasReady.gov for safety tips.
Governor Abbott’s actions include activating further wildfire response resources ahead of increased threats and directing TDEM to implement these measures while issuing a disaster declaration for wildfire danger.
