Gov. Greg Abbott has declared five counties in the northeastern Texas Panhandle to be disaster areas following wildfires that scorched some half million acres, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
“This week’s wildfires have had a devastating impact on a significant portion of the Texas Panhandle,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans have always been resilient in their response to disasters and this time will be no different. Cecilia and I thank the first responders who are working tirelessly to help all those affected, and we continue to ask that all Texans keep the Panhandle community and the families of the victims of this disaster in their thoughts and prayers.”
The Governor has already issued waivers of regulations designed to speed the delivery of hay to the region.
There are an estimated 10,000 stranded cattle and horses in the area.Four people in Texas died in the wildfires.
PHOTO' TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE