Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press release Thursday that he was mobilizing resources to help fight and prevent wildfires in Texas.
According to the press release, Abbott ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management to prepare to direct their resources to areas likely to be affected by wildfires, including West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and the Permian Basin.
“Critical fire resources are being mobilized in the western half of the state to help our local officials respond to dangerous wildfire risks impacting Texas communities,” Abbott said in the press release.
“I thank all of our firefighters and emergency responders who are working on the frontlines to protect their fellow Texans from these fires. Beginning today through early next week, Texans are urged to regularly monitor fire weather conditions and limit activities that could cause sparks or flames to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their property out of harm’s way,” the governor continued.
The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2, indicating a potential for small wildfires.
Some of the resources that were activated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management at the direction of the governor include the Texas A&M Forest Service, which consists of three Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike teams that have roughly 50 firefighters, 15 fire engines, seven single-engine air tankers, two air attack platforms, and bulldozers as well as other heavy equipment.
Also activated was the Texas Department of State Health Services — Texas Emergency Medical Task Force’s Wildland Fire Support Package, which includes paramedics and an ambulance, and one Rapid Extraction Module, which includes paramedics and all-terrain vehicles.
The governor encouraged Texans to make emergency plans in case of wildfires as well as limit activities that might cause a wildfire to start. He also recommends keeping emergency provisions and supplies available in case of a wildfire disaster.
More information about wildfires can be found at texasready.gov.