AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Abbott announced Sunday that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state wildfire response resources.
This is being done in anticipation of elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions in large areas of South, West, and Northwest Texas this week.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to thwart any wildfire threats in our state,” Governor Abbott said. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional resources in preparation of potential wildfire danger this week.”
Abbott urged Texans to create an emergency plan, accept the guidance of state and local officials, and limit any activities that can cause a spark.
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According to the National Weather Service, elevated fire weather conditions are forecast for parts of South Texas Sunday and the Panhandle Monday due to dry fuels, strong winds, and reportedly above-average temperatures.
The weather pattern is setting up for critical fire weather conditions across the High Plains, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Bend, and West Texas regions midweek, particularly on Tuesday, where wind gusts, daytime heating, and low relative humidity could significantly increase the risk of wildfires. This heightened fire danger is expected to last at least through the later half of the week.
State wildfire response resources that will be available to support local wildfire response operations include the Texas National Guard, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.