Texas Mobilizes Army of Firefighters & Equipment to Battle Increasing Wildfires

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott encouraged Texans to remain vigilant during increased wildfire activity this week as the State of Texas continues ongoing coordinated wildfire response efforts through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Critical fire danger and widespread drought conditions have resulted in multiple wildfires continuing to burn across Texas, including the Chalk Mountain Fire in Somervell County and the 1148 Fire in Palo Pinto County. Both fires have caused local officials to issue voluntary evacuation orders for residents. 

"The State of Texas remains steadfast in our ongoing coordinated response to help Texans and communities affected by or at risk of wildfires," said Governor Abbott. "As we continue to deploy all available resources in response to widespread fire and drought conditions, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and weather-aware to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires."

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, critically-to-extremely dry vegetation and critical fire weather will likely increase wildfire activity this week. Areas of concern include the eastern Rolling Plains, Cross Timbers, Central Texas, North Texas near the Waco and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, and south along the I-35 corridor near the Capital region. The risk for significant fires has expanded east to include portions of East Texas, including areas near Palestine, Crockett, Huntsville, Tyler, and Marshall.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, TDEM is coordinating the state’s response to the active wildfires and collaborating with the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized at least 105 dozers, 87 engines, and three motograders across Texas. In addition, 38 aircraft, including five large airtankers, one very large airtanker, 12 single engine airtankers, one lead place, five air attack platforms, and 12 helicopters have been activated to support firefighters combatting active wildfires.

Hundreds of firefighting personnel are responding to fires statewide, including seven strike teams and a hand crew module deployed through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), totaling more than 115 firefighters, 30 engines, and four water tenders. Additionally, land management agencies from 36 states are supporting the firefighting response in Texas with 535 personnel and 145 pieces of equipment.

The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) has a total of 35 personnel activated, as well as five ambulances and 10 Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs). The personnel total includes five Medical Unit Leaders, 12 Wildland Paramedic Units, eight personnel in UTVs, and 10 ambulance personnel.

Last week, Governor Abbott renewed a wildfire disaster declaration that includes 72 counties affected by wildfire threats. The Governor also renewed a drought disaster declaration for 189 counties affected by exceptional drought conditions. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 99 percent of the state is experiencing some level of drought conditions. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, rainfall that some communities received last week only offered a temporary reprieve from the dry conditions.

Texans sustaining damage related to wildfires are encouraged to submit damage assessments through TDEM’s self-reporting survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Users should select "Wildfire Outbreak" as the active incident.

Texans can visit public.tfswildfires.com to view the current wildfire map, check the latest Texas wildfire snapshot by visiting tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation, and follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest fire information. Texans can also visit ready.gov/wildfires for wildfire preparedness tips.