Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize more state emergency response resources due to heightened wildfire risks and potential flooding expected over the weekend. The Governor also updated and extended the state's wildfire disaster declaration, which now includes 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."

Dry vegetation, stronger winds, and higher than normal temperatures have increased wildfire potential, especially in eastern Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The agency raised its Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, meaning multiple regions are affected by fire activity related to drought or fire-prone weather. Over 50 wildfires have burned more than 3,000 acres statewide during the past week.

The National Weather Service reports that storms moving from the eastern Pacific into Far West Texas could bring heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding this weekend. Residents are advised to watch forecasts closely and heed instructions from emergency officials.

State resources activated include over 350 firefighters from various agencies, more than 125 pieces of equipment such as engines and bulldozers, over 35 federally contracted firefighting aircraft for different aerial operations, medical task force support with ambulances and medics, swiftwater rescue teams for flood emergencies, road monitoring personnel, highway patrol troopers for roadway safety, game wardens and park police officers, disaster assessment agents focused on agriculture needs, animal health coordinators, power outage monitoring staff, natural gas supply monitors, environmental quality inspectors for air/water/wastewater issues, as well as health services personnel providing public information via a referral network.

Texans are encouraged to take steps for wildfire prevention and preparedness by creating emergency plans, following official directions during emergencies, keeping supplies ready at hand. Resources for safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov; information on wildfire prevention is available at tfsweb.tamu.edu; road conditions may be checked at DriveTexas.org; comprehensive preparedness advice is offered at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Governor Abbott stated he remains committed to providing all necessary resources in support of local communities facing these hazards. He has continued actions such as activating additional wildfire response teams ahead of forecasted threats and directing TDEM to issue declarations aimed at addressing ongoing dangers.