The danger of wildfire is increasing in Texas, especially in portions of the west, north and east -- but South Texas may also be affected -- so Governor Greg Abbott on Monday says he's directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to put in gear an increased number of emergency resources.
The danger of wildfire in West Texas is now considered extremely critical, with dry plants, called "surface fuels" and sustained winds, which could ignite fast-moving fires, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, so Gov. Abbott says he has put the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) on alert.
“West Texans are strongly urged to limit any activities that may cause sparks or flames, as dry conditions and sustained winds persist," according to the Governor.
And North and East Texas communities "should follow the guidance of state and local officials and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during potential severe storms this week."
Specfic areas that could be affected include 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.
"Texas stands ready to swiftly deploy additional emergency response resources to communities that may be impacted," Gov. Abbott added.
His office said Monday that 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 through the first part of this week.
The National Weather Service is forecasting an increased threat of severe storms, with primary risks including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, as well as heavy rainfall causing flash flooding.
At the Governor's direction, TDEM readied the following 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
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
In a statement, the Governor's office added that "Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention and severe storm preparedness measures, including avoiding activities that may cause sparks or flames, making an emergency plan, follow instructions from emergency response officials, and keeping emergency supplies easily available."