Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize additional state emergency response resources in anticipation of increased wildfire risk and possible flooding across Texas. The Governor also amended and renewed the state’s wildfire disaster declaration, now covering 179 counties.
“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 reports that dry vegetation, higher winds, and above-average temperatures have raised the potential for wildfires, especially in the eastern part of the state. The agency has increased its Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, indicating multiple regions are affected by drought and fire weather events. In the past week, more than 50 wildfires have burned over 3,000 acres statewide.
The National Weather Service warns that storms moving north from the eastern Pacific over Mexico into Far West Texas could cause flash flooding during the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow guidance from emergency officials.
In response, a range of state agencies have been activated:
– The Texas A&M Forest Service has deployed over 350 firefighters and support personnel, more than 125 pieces of equipment such as fire engines and bulldozers, and more than 35 federally contracted firefighting aircraft.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing medical teams, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles for wildland fire and severe weather support.
– Swiftwater rescue squads from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service are prepared for flood rescues.
– TDEM’s Incident Management Team will coordinate emergency response efforts statewide.
– Other agencies involved include the Texas Department of Transportation (monitoring road conditions), Department of Public Safety (patrolling roadways), Parks and Wildlife Department (deploying game wardens), AgriLife Extension Service (supporting agricultural needs), Animal Health Commission, Department of Agriculture, Public Utility Commission (power outage monitoring), Railroad Commission (natural gas supply monitoring), Commission on Environmental Quality (environmental monitoring), and Health and Human Services Commission (providing information through the 2-1-1 network).
Texans are advised to take preventive measures against wildfires by preparing emergency plans, following official instructions, and keeping supplies ready. Resources for safety tips are available at TexasReady.gov, tfsweb.tamu.edu for wildfire prevention information, DriveTexas.org for road conditions, and tdem.texas.gov/prepare for general preparedness guidance.
Governor Abbott continues efforts to provide resources supporting local communities against wildfire threats by activating additional response resources ahead of forecasted risks.
