Wildfire threat: State masses resources as threat grows

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott last week directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources in anticipation of extremely critical wildfire danger expected across West Texas.

“As the state faces increased wildfire risks in West Texas and potential severe storms in North and East Texas, Texas stands ready to swiftly deploy additional emergency response resources to communities that may be impacted,” Abbott said.

Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention preparedness measures, as weather conditions for the rest of the month show little to no precipitation opportunity in the south-central and western portions of the state.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, dry surface fuels and sustained winds across the western regions support optimal conditions for fast moving wildfires in areas including the Panhandle, South Plains, Concho Valley, Big Country, Permian Basin, Far West, Hill Country, and portions of North, Central, and South Texas.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, indicating that wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation, or frequent fire weather events.

TDEM and the Texas Emergency Management Council agencies are also monitoring the potential for severe weather to impact the northern and eastern regions of the state. The National Weather Service was forecasting an increased threat of severe storms, with primary risks including damaging winds and large hail, as well as heavy rainfall causing flash flooding.

TDEM readied state emergency response resources to support local wildfire and severe weather response operations, including: Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): More than 200 state and local firefighters, support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; 20 federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including 4 large air tankers, 9 single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, 4 air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, 2 helicopters with firefighting capability, and an air support module for aerial guidance.

Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state.

Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability.

Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildfire and Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.

Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues.