Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wildfire disaster declaration for 191 counties on Aug. 14 as the Lone Star State experiences widespread wildfire activity, with the possibility of adding more counties as conditions warrant. The declaration includes several counties in the Permian Basin, including Midland and Ector Counties.
"The State of Texas continues working with local officials to respond to critical wildfire activity across the entire state," Abbott said. "I issued a disaster declaration to surge the deployment of additional resources and assistance to 191 counties currently experiencing dangerous wildfire conditions. As we continue to respond to wildfire conditions across the state, Texas is ready to provide any additional resources and aid to impacted communities. I commend the bravery and service of the hundreds of emergency personnel and firefighters who have swiftly responded to the wildfires to protect their fellow Texans and communities.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service expects wildfire activity to continue given persistent high temperatures and dry conditions, according to the press release.
The Texas Tribune reports that as of Aug. 1, wildfires consumed over 8,000 acres of land in the state, and affected counties will be able to access state resources to battle them.
Aside from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the release said, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has deployed the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas National Guard (TNG) to lend support toward wildfire response operations.
The governor’s office said that more than 95 fire departments from 75 cities in the state have been deployed as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).
Texans are urged to devise an emergency plan, limit activities that could cause fires, listen to officials and keep a supply kit accessible, per the release.