Gov. Abbott Activates State Wildfire Response Resources Ahead of Increased Fire Danger

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state wildfire response resources as elevated fire weather conditions are expected in the Texas Panhandle beginning Tuesday.

“I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state wildfire response resources ahead of increased fire danger in the Panhandle,” Abbott said. “Local responders will continue to have full access to state personnel, equipment, and aircraft to protect lives and property.”

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, August is typically the peak month for wildfires because of hot, dry conditions. The agency said wildfire potential is expected to increase across large portions of Texas due to dry vegetation, with the greatest concern over the next several days in the Panhandle and North Texas.

State resources available to support local wildfire response include firefighters and support personnel through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, heavy equipment, more than 10 federally contracted firefighting aircraft, wildland fire medical support teams, Texas National Guard Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters equipped for firefighting, Texas Department of Transportation personnel, Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and state park police.

Last week, the Texas A&M Forest Service raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2, indicating that elevated fire danger is observed in some regions of the state. Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention measures, including avoiding activities that may cause sparks or flames, making an emergency plan, following instructions from local officials, and keeping emergency supplies easily available.

Texans can access wildfire tips and safety information at tfsweb.tamu.edu and TexasReady.gov. All-hazards disaster preparedness information is located at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

State officials are urging Texans to avoid activities that could spark fires, develop emergency plans, follow instructions from local officials and keep emergency supplies readily available.