Gov. Greg Abbott has provided an update regarding the ongoing containment of wildfires in the Texas panhandle.
Firefighters from across the state continue to battle multiple massive wildfires following a disaster declaration from the governor and numerous evacuations. The Smokehouse Creek fire in Hutchinson County has since grown to be the largest wildfire in the state’s history, consuming over a million acres, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Gov. Abbott issued a news release noting that multiple resources, including from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, and Texas Animal Health Commission, have been engaged to support the wildfire response efforts.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has provided “over 100 firefighters, heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders; Aircraft including 7 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), 5 Large Airtankers (LATs), 2 Multi-Engine Airtankers (Super Scoopers), 3 Air Attack Platforms, 1 Lead Plane, and 1 Aerial Supervision Module; All Hazards Incident Management Team personnel; 20 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike teams comprised of over 340 personnel and over 95 fire engines; Over 175 out of state personnel to support state firefighting operations,” per the release.
The Texas National Gaurd has provided “over 50 personnel; 6 helicopters, including Chinooks and Black Hawks with fire suppression capabilities that have dropped over 75,000 gallons of water so far.”
“The safety and well-being of impacted Texans is our No.1 priority as the potential for more dangerous wildfires persists in the coming days,” said Abbott in the release. “We urge Texans to continue to heed the guidance of state and local officials and utilize tools that have been made available by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local partners.”
The governor also appeared at a press conference on March 5 in Canadian, Texas. Abbott noted the resources given to support affected communities and the continued need for resources to help sustain local livestock.
Abbott also recognized firefighters who are fighting to contain the wildfires as well as honored Fritch Volunteer Fire Chief Zeb Smith, who died while responding to a structure fire in Hutchinson County on March 5.
“The wildfires are not over yet — and until they are — it is essential that Texans in at-risk areas remain weather aware to maintain the safety of themselves and their property. Thank you to everyone across the state and country who have generously extended a helping hand to the many families who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires,” said Abbott in a March 5 release.
“We will continue to work around-the-clock to ensure Texans who have lost everything have the support they need to rebuild and recover.”
Texans are advised to continue avoiding activities that may generate a spark or a flame. Those who wish to donate to communities impacted by the wildfires are advised to visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s website.
The Texas A&M Forest Service’s latest update reported that although the largest of the fires persist, cooler weather may aid emergency efforts.
“Fire environment conditions will moderate through mid-week, reducing the threat for new large wildfires that are highly resistant to control. Cooler temperatures and less wind will aid in the ongoing suppression efforts for active wildfires,” it read.
“An underlying risk for new wildfires will continue in the Texas Panhandle and South Texas until spring green-up in occurs in the abundance of grass vegetation found in these regions.”
