Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on the ongoing coordinated fire response efforts of the state of Texas at a press conference following a conference with state and local officials in Glen Rose. Earlier this week, the Governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to continue coordinating the state’s ongoing response to these wildfires, including the Chalk Mountain fire.
The governor was joined at the briefing and press conference by TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, Senator Brian Birdwell, Representative Shelby Slawson, Somervell County Judge Danny Chambers, Hood County Judge Ron Massingill and other state and local officials.
“Fires continue to affect communities across our state, and the state of Texas is working around the clock to ensure Texans and their loved ones are kept safe,” said Governor Abbott. “Thank you to our brave first responders and emergency response personnel for their courage in protecting their local communities. As we continue our efforts to protect our communities, Texans must remain vigilant, aware of the weather and aware of guidance from their local officials as we navigate potential and ongoing fires.”
During the press conference, the Governor signed a disaster declaration in response to wildfire activity across Texas, amending the original declaration to include Somervell County among the 10 new counties. Governor Abbott also thanked first responders, state agencies and local partners for a quick and coordinated containment response.
Last week, Governor Abbott renewed a wildfire disaster declaration that includes 73 counties affected by wildfire 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.
The governor also encouraged Texans affected by the wildfires to complete TDEM’s Self-Report Damage Survey. This study will help the state identify damage across Texas and allow emergency management officials to understand the damage caused by recent wildfires. This data is also needed to provide information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine state eligibility for federal disaster assistance and to highlight the need for individuals. The voluntary survey, available in English and Spanish, can be accessed by visiting: damage.tdem.texas.gov. Reporting claims to TDEM is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting claims to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. 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.
