Abbott Sends Emergency Aid As Wildfires, Storms Threaten Texas

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced that he has directed state authorities to deploy emergency resources in preparation for extreme wildfire conditions in West Texas and an increased risk of severe storms in North and East Texas this week.

"As the state faces increased wildfire risks in West Texas and potential severe storms in North and East Texas, Texas stands ready to swiftly deploy additional emergency response resources to communities that may be impacted," Abbott said in a statement.

"West Texans are strongly urged to limit any activities that may cause sparks or flames as dry conditions and sustained winds persist. North and East Texas communities should follow the guidance of state and local officials and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during potential severe storms this week. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for their tireless work across the state to keep Texans safe."

The Texas A&M Forest Service warns that dry fuels and strong winds are creating prime conditions for fast-moving wildfires across West Texas, including the Panhandle, South Plains, Concho Valley, Big Country, Permian Basin, Far West, Hill Country, and parts of North, Central, and South Texas.

As a result, the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level has been raised to "Level 3," signaling significant wildfire activity due to drought, dry vegetation, and frequent fire weather.

Meanwhile, emergency agencies are closely monitoring severe weather threats in North and East Texas through early this week.

The National Weather Service forecasts an increased risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding.

According to the governor's office, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has readied the following state emergency response resources:

• Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): More than 200 state and local firefighters, support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; 20 federally-contracted firefighting aircraft, including 4 large air tankers, 9 single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, 4 air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, 2 helicopters with firefighting capability, and an air support module for aerial guidance
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildfire and Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Meanwhile, Texans are encouraged to take precautions against wildfires and severe storms by avoiding activities that could start a fire, creating an emergency plan, following instructions from officials, and keeping emergency supplies readily available.