Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy additional emergency response resources in response to increasing wildfire threats across Texas and the possibility of flooding in West Texas through the weekend. The Governor also amended and renewed the state’s wildfire disaster declaration, now covering 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.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that dry vegetation combined with higher winds and above-average temperatures are contributing to an increased risk for wildfires, particularly in eastern parts of the state. As a result, the agency raised its Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, which indicates that multiple regions are experiencing significant wildfire activity due to drought conditions or frequent fire weather events. In the past week, more than 50 wildfires have burned over 3,000 acres statewide.
The National Weather Service has warned that storms moving north from the eastern Pacific over Mexico into Far West Texas could bring heavy rainfall this weekend, potentially resulting in flash flooding. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow instructions from emergency officials.
State agencies are mobilizing various resources for local flood and wildfire responses. These include:
– Over 350 firefighters and support personnel from state, local, and out-of-state teams; more than 125 firefighting vehicles; over 35 federally contracted aircraft for fire suppression.
– Wildland Fire and Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles provided by health services.
– Swiftwater rescue squads for potential flood rescues.
– State incident management teams supporting deployed emergency resources.
– Transportation department staff monitoring road conditions.
– Highway patrol troopers assisting motorists on affected roadways.
– Game wardens and park police ensuring safety at parks.
– Agricultural extension agents addressing livestock needs.
– Coordination efforts on animal resource needs by animal health officials.
– Power outage monitoring by utility regulators.
– Monitoring of natural gas supply by energy regulators.
– Environmental quality personnel overseeing air, water, and wastewater issues.
– Health commission staff providing service information via the 2-1-1 referral network.
Texans are encouraged to take steps toward wildfire prevention by making emergency plans, keeping supplies accessible, following official instructions during emergencies, reviewing tips at TexasReady.gov, accessing wildfire information at tfsweb.tamu.edu, checking roads at DriveTexas.org, or getting preparedness guidance at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has previously activated additional response measures ahead of heightened wildfire risks as part of ongoing efforts to support communities facing these hazards.
