Governor Abbott raises state operations center readiness amid wildfire threats

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to raise the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response). This decision comes as Texas faces critical wildfire conditions and severe weather threats. The Governor has also expanded the state's wildfire disaster declaration, now including 236 counties.

"Texas continues to monitor the heightened wildfire and severe weather threats that are expected to impact large portions of the state," said Governor Abbott. He emphasized the need for swift deployment of resources to help Texans prepare and respond. The Governor highlighted high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation as factors increasing wildfire risks in West, Central, and South Texas, while severe storms threaten North and East Texas.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports extremely critical fire danger across large parts of West, Central, and South Texas. High winds and low humidity contribute to difficult-to-control fire intensities. The service is monitoring for a potential Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak under current forecasts. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Level 3 due to drought conditions, dry vegetation, or frequent fire weather events affecting several regions.

The National Weather Service forecasts increased severe storm risks in North and East Texas with potential tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding.

Governor Abbott has directed TDEM to ensure various agencies are ready to support local responses:

- Over 250 firefighters from the Texas A&M Forest Service with equipment like fire engines and aircraft

- Helicopters from the Texas National Guard

- Medical teams from the Texas Department of State Health Services

- Support from other departments such as Public Safety, Parks and Wildlife, Transportation, Agriculture, Environmental Quality, Health Services Commission

Governor Abbott urged Texans whose properties have been damaged by storms to report it using TDEM's online damage survey tool. This tool helps emergency management assess damage severity but does not replace insurance reporting or guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Texans are advised to prepare for wildfires and severe storms by staying informed about local risks and warnings from officials. Resources are available at websites like TexasReady.gov for safety information.