"Texas Governor Declares Disaster as Wildfires Rapidly Grow"

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 60 Texas counties due to widespread wildfire activity, with the potential for additional counties to be added. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has been directed to activate additional state emergency response resources to support local firefighters. Dry conditions and above-normal temperatures have increased the risk of wildfires, particularly in the Texas Panhandle, South Plains, Texoma, and Permian Basin regions. The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2, and various state agencies have been mobilized to provide support for wildfire response operations. Texans are urged to make emergency plans, limit activities that may cause sparks, and keep emergency supplies easily accessible.