Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the 8 Ball Fire burning in the Texas Panhandle.
The fire began in Armstrong County and entered Donley County. As of Thursday morning, it had burned an estimated 13,000 acres and was 55% contained. Approximately 400 homes were evacuated, and more than 1,100 homes have been threatened.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, 32 North Texas fire departments deployed personnel and equipment earlier this week to assist in combating the Eightball Fire and the Lavender Fire as high winds and dry conditions complicated suppression efforts.
“Texas continues to work around the clock to provide all necessary resources to those affected by the 8 Ball Fire,” said Governor Abbott. “With this FEMA grant, our brave wildfire response teams will be further equipped to manage and contain fires in the Panhandle. I thank the Trump Administration and FEMA for swiftly approving this funding and thank our heroic emergency personnel for their efforts to protect their fellow Texans.”
The Fire Management Assistance Grant makes Texas eligible for 75% federal reimbursement for eligible costs associated with fighting the wildfire. These grants support mitigation, management, and control efforts when fires threaten to become major disasters.
State Escalates Wildfire Response
The FEMA approval follows multiple wildfire preparedness actions earlier this week.
On February 17, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) ahead of critical wildfire danger across West Texas and the High Plains.
“Texas is taking action to strengthen wildfire preparedness and protection across our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “I have directed the strategic placement of personnel and resources to equip our first responders with the tools they need to act swiftly in high-risk areas to save lives and protect critical infrastructure.”
On February 15, Abbott directed TDEM to activate additional state wildfire response resources as the National Weather Service forecast elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions due to dry fuels, strong winds, and above-average temperatures.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to thwart any wildfire threats in our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional resources in preparation of potential wildfire danger this week. Texans are urged to create an emergency plan, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and limit any activities that can cause a spark to best keep themselves and loved ones safe.”
More than 500 firefighters, over 150 pieces of heavy equipment, and more than 25 federally contracted firefighting aircraft remain available statewide. The Texas National Guard has deployed Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters with firefighting capability. Multiple state agencies continue to support wildfire suppression, road monitoring, medical response, agricultural assistance, and utility coordination.
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level II as state and local officials continue containment efforts in the Panhandle.
Texans can access wildfire updates, safety tips, and damage reporting resources through the TDEM Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
