Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declares wildfire disaster in 191 counties.

Texas ‍Gov. Greg Abbott Declares State of Emergency in‍ Response to Wildfires

As ⁢temperatures soar into the triple digits and drought conditions persist, Texas Gov. Greg⁢ Abbott has issued a ​disaster⁢ declaration in 191⁤ counties across ⁢the state. The declaration aims to address the ongoing ​wildfire activity‍ that ⁤poses a significant threat to communities.

“The ⁢State of Texas continues working with local⁢ officials to respond to critical wildfire activity across⁣ the‍ entire state,” Mr. Abbott said in a press release on Monday.

“I​ issued a disaster declaration to surge the deployment of additional resources and assistance to ​191 counties⁣ currently ⁢experiencing dangerous wildfire⁢ conditions.”

The combination of scorching temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds has ⁣created “very high to extreme‍ fire danger” in numerous regions of Texas. Consequently,⁢ the state’s ‍preparedness ‌level has been ⁢raised to address the escalating threat.

The disaster declaration issued by Governor‍ Abbott encompasses⁣ approximately 75 percent​ of the state, spanning from the panhandle down to⁢ South Texas and from West Texas across⁣ to East Texas.

According⁤ to the Texas A&M‍ Forest Service, the​ month‌ of ⁣August⁣ has⁤ already​ witnessed⁣ 119 wildfires scorching over 9,000 acres. As ⁣a result, the Wildfire Preparedness Level has ⁣been elevated to Level 4,‍ indicating the need for increased resources ​and personnel to combat the growing complexity ‍of the‍ fires.

“As ‍we continue to respond to wildfire conditions across the state,⁣ Texas is ready to provide any additional resources and aid to impacted communities. ⁤I commend ⁤the bravery and service of the hundreds‍ of emergency personnel⁤ and firefighters ‍who have swiftly responded⁤ to​ the wildfire to protect their ‌fellow Texans and communities,”‌ said Governor Abbott.

Recent incidents include⁣ a 250-acre wildfire ‌in Trinity County, where the Forest Service ⁤collaborated with‍ local fire crews to contain the blaze. Additionally, Wise ‌County ​experienced the simultaneous ⁢battle of two large⁤ grass ​fires, ‍leading to evacuations and intense​ firefighting efforts.

As of now, 194‌ out of the state’s 254 counties ‌have implemented ‍burn bans to mitigate⁤ the risk of ​further wildfires. Governor Abbott ⁣urges Texans to stay informed about weather⁤ conditions⁢ and follow the guidance of state and local officials.