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Governor Greg Abbott announced today that he has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to elevate the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II. This comes as Texas braces for "critical wildfire conditions."
The Governor has also added 33 counties to a state disaster declaration, bringing the total number of counties under the declaration to 236.
Abbott said in a statement, "High winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation increase the potential for wildfires to start in West, Central, and South Texas. Severe storms in North and East Texas will create hazardous conditions. Texans are urged to limit any activities that may cause sparks or flames, follow the guidance of state and local officials, and have an emergency plan to keep themselves and their families safe."
Multiple agencies have also begun mobilizing, including the Texas A&M Forest Service, TDEM, Texas National Guard, and others.
You can read Governor Abbott's full order to the Texas Department of Emergency Management here.