Gov. Abbott Announces Federal Assistance For 8 Ball Fire

AUSTIN, TX — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the 8 Ball Fire burning in the Texas Panhandle, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday.

The wildfire began in Armstrong County and spread into neighboring Donley County, threatening homes and infrastructure and prompting evacuations in nearby communities.

As of Friday morning, the fire had burned about 13,000 acres and was 55% contained. Approximately 400 homes were evacuated at the height of the incident, and more than 1,100 homes have been threatened. Some residents have since been allowed to return, though firefighting and public safety operations remain ongoing.

The grant allows Texas to receive reimbursement for 75% of eligible firefighting costs. Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided to states and local jurisdictions to help mitigate, manage and control fires that could otherwise become major disasters.

The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level II, an escalated response posture, while the Texas Division of Emergency Management continues deploying resources to support local responders.

State officials said wildfire safety information, maps and damage-reporting tools are available through the Texas disaster portal online.

Abbott said the state has also increased emergency readiness levels and activated additional wildfire response resources ahead of critical fire weather conditions.