Texas governor renews wildfire disaster proclamation amid persistent fire threats

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a wildfire disaster proclamation in Texas, initially issued on October 14, 2024. The proclamation addresses the ongoing threat posed by elevated fire weather conditions in numerous counties across the state.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that these conditions persist, prompting the renewal of the disaster declaration. The affected areas include Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Atascosa, Bailey, Bandera, Bastrop, Baylor, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, and many other counties.

Governor Abbott stated: "I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster" in the listed counties. This action is taken under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code.

The Governor has authorized "the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster," as per Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code.

Additionally, any regulatory statutes or rules that might hinder emergency response efforts can be suspended upon written approval from the Office of the Governor. Governor Abbott emphasized: "I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster."

This renewed proclamation was signed by Governor Abbott on January 12th in Austin and attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.