Lack of water in some areas of Texas and windy conditions that could lead to wildfires prompted Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday to active state fire response resources
The mix of strong winds, above-average temperatures and lots of dry plants, brush and trees are forecast to significantly elevate the potential of wildfires in the north, south and west areas of the state, according to the Governor.
"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," he said.
The National Weather Service said Sunday elevated fire conditions are acute in parts of South Texas and the Panhandle on Sunday and Monday.
Then as the week goes along more fire-favorable weather is expected in the northern state high plains, areas of South Texas toward the border with Mexico, and in areas of West Texas such as the Permian Basin.
According to a statement, the wildfire resources being activated this include:
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): More than 250 state, local, and out-of-state firefighters and support personnel; More than 75 pieces of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders; and more than 25 federally contracted firefighting aircraft including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, super scoopers for water drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, an aerial supervision module for aerial guidance
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire and Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas National Guard: Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters with firefighting capability
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol roadways and assist stranded motorists
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, State Park Police
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Animal Health Commission: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- 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