Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize additional state emergency response resources due to anticipated wildfire threats in West Texas and other parts of the state. The move comes as dry conditions, wind gusts, and low humidity increase wildfire danger.

"The State of Texas continues to monitor the heightened wildfire threats that are impacting large portions of the state," said Governor Abbott. "Due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to ready additional emergency response resources to assist local communities with any wildfire outbreaks."

The Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that conditions such as dry surface fuels, strong winds, and low humidity are contributing to increased wildfire risks across nearly all regions. Areas like the High Plains, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, Texoma, Metroplex, and Hill Country face extremely critical fire dangers. High winds could lead to large fires that are difficult to control.

Monitoring is ongoing for a potential Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak under current weather forecasts. According to the National Weather Service, elevated wildfire danger is expected over several days.

The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Level 3 due to drought and frequent fire weather events affecting multiple regions. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) is activated at Level II (Escalated Response), with more than 750 state emergency responders and over 300 pieces of equipment from more than 16 agencies ready for deployment.

Resources include firefighters from the Texas A&M Forest Service's Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System; helicopters from the Texas National Guard; medical teams from the Department of State Health Services; patrol support from the Department of Public Safety; and various monitoring efforts by agencies such as the Public Utility Commission and Railroad Commission.

Texans are encouraged to take preventive measures against wildfires by avoiding activities that might cause sparks or flames and preparing an emergency plan. They can find information on prevention at TexasReady.gov or visit tdem.texas.gov/prepare for preparedness tips.

Governor Abbott emphasized continued action: "Encouraging Texans impacted by wildfire to report damage by using TDEM’s online damage reporting tool" among other initiatives like deploying additional resources ahead of critical dangers.