Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Fire Management Assistance Grants for two significant wildfires in Texas. The Rest Area Fire in Gray County and the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County have received this federal support.

“Texas is working around the clock to provide all necessary resources to local officials fighting wildfires in Gray and Gillespie counties,” said Governor Abbott. “With the approval of these Fire Management Assistance grants, we will continue to support our brave firefighters as they battle these dangerous blazes. The safety and well-being of Texans is our No. 1 priority, and we will work tirelessly to ensure impacted communities get the assistance they need. I thank our first responders and brave firefighters for their work to protect their fellow Texans.”

These grants allow Texas to receive a 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for expenses related to combating these fires. Such grants are available for managing fires on both public and private lands when such fires pose a risk of becoming major disasters.

State emergency response resources under Governor Abbott's direction remain active in assisting local wildfire responses. These include personnel and equipment from various state departments such as Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas National Guard, and several others.

Residents can access wildfire resources through the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov. Those whose properties have been affected by wildfires are encouraged to report damages using TDEM’s online damage survey tool, which aids emergency management teams in assessing impacts and connecting individuals with available resources.

Texans are advised to continue taking precautions against wildfires by having an emergency plan, avoiding activities that may cause sparks, and adhering to instructions from local authorities.

Governor Abbott remains committed to providing all necessary resources to help communities manage wildfire impacts effectively. This includes activating additional state emergency response measures ahead of critical fire weather conditions across Texas.