Governor Greg Abbott today encouraged Texans to remain vigilant during increased wildfire activity this week as the State of Texas continues its ongoing coordinated fire response efforts through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Critical fire danger and widespread drought conditions have resulted in multiple fires continuing to burn in Texas, including the Chalk Mountain Fire in Somervell County and the 1148 Fire in Palo Pinto County. Both fires have prompted local officials to issue voluntary evacuation orders for residents.
“The state of Texas remains steadfast in our continued coordinated response to assist Texans and communities affected by or at risk of wildfires,” Governor Abbott said. “As we continue to deploy all available resources in response to widespread fire and drought conditions, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of the weather to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires.”
Critical to extremely dry vegetation and critical fire weather are likely to increase wildfire activity this week, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Areas of concern include the eastern Rolling Plains, Cross Timbers, Central Texas, North Texas near the Waco and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, and south along the I-35 corridor near the Capital Region. The danger for significant wildfires has expanded east to include parts of East Texas, including areas near Palestine, Crockett, Huntsville, Tyler and Marshall.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, TDEM is coordinating the state’s response to active wildfires and partnering with the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized at least 105 dozers, 87 engines and three motor graders across Texas. In addition, 38 aircraft, including five large tankers, one very large tanker, 12 single-engine tankers, one main site, five air attack platforms and 12 helicopters have been activated to support firefighters fighting active fires.
Hundreds of fire personnel are responding to fires statewide, including seven attack teams and a hand crew module deployed through the Texas Firefighters Mutual Assistance System (TIFMAS), with more than 115 firefighters, 30 engines and four water tender. Additionally, land management agencies from 36 states are supporting the Texas fire response with 535 personnel and 145 pieces of equipment.
The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) has a total of 35 activated personnel, as well as five ambulances and 10 utility task vehicles (UTVs). Total personnel include five medics, 12 Wildland paramedics, eight UTV personnel and 10 ambulance personnel.
Last week, Governor Abbott renewed a fire disaster declaration that includes 72 counties affected by fire threats. The governor also renewed a drought disaster declaration for 189 counties affected by exceptional drought conditions. According to the latest update from the US Drought Monitor, more than 99 percent of the state is experiencing some level of drought conditions. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the rainfall some communities received last week provided only a temporary respite from the dry conditions.
Texans experiencing wildfire-related damage are encouraged to submit damage estimates through TDEM’s self-report survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Users must select “Wildfire Outbreak” as the active incident.
Texans can visit public.tfswildfires.com to view the current wildfire map, check the latest Texas wildfire photography by visiting tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation and follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest fire information. Texans can also visit ready.gov/wildfires for wildfire preparedness tips.
