Texas issues disaster declaration in response to devastating wildfires

“Devastating” wildfires in Texas have prompted a disaster declaration for dozens of counties and evacuation orders in parts of the Texas Panhandle.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster declaration for 60 counties on Tuesday due to “widespread wildfire activity throughout the state.”

The declaration will ensure that fire response resources are quickly deployed to “areas in the Texas Panhandle being impacted by devastating wildfires,” Abbott said in a statement Tuesday.

The Texas A&M Forest Service said it responded to 13 wildfires on Monday, with conditions on Tuesday ideal for more wildfire activity.

“Several large wildfires ignited under warm, dry and windy conditions across the Texas Panhandle,” the agency said on social media earlier Tuesday. “Today, strong winds will likely impact these wildfires and the potential for new ignitions remains.”

Fires continued to impact mainly the central and eastern portions of the Panhandles on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Among the blazes, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County has burned 250,000 acres and is 0% contained as of Tuesday evening, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. There was “extreme fire behavior” associated with the wildfire on Tuesday, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and flames as high as 20 feet in grass, a spokesperson for the agency told ABC News.

The Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County has burned an estimated 38,000 acres and was 20% contained as of Tuesday evening, fire officials said.

“Fire behavior continues to be very active under the influence of high winds,” the Texas A&M Forest Service said on social media.

More than 40 houses were damaged in Fritch, a city located in Hutchinson and Moore counties, since Monday, the city said. Parts of the city have been evacuated.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for several towns and communities in the Amarillo region, including Skellytown, Wheeler, Allison and Briscoe, the National Weather Service said Tuesday evening. Voluntary evacuations are in effect for Pampa, it said.

Abbott warned that the wildfires could grow in the coming days as high temperatures and windy conditions continue.

“Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe,” he said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration in response to the devastating wildfires that have been raging across the state. The declaration comes as firefighters continue to battle the blazes, which have already destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

The wildfires, which have been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have spread rapidly across Texas, scorching thousands of acres of land and threatening communities across the state. In response to the growing crisis, Governor Abbott has mobilized state resources to help combat the fires and provide support to those affected by the disaster.

The disaster declaration allows for additional resources to be allocated to firefighting efforts, including the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to help contain the blazes. It also enables state agencies to coordinate their response efforts and provide assistance to affected communities.

In addition to the immediate threat posed by the wildfires, the disaster declaration also allows for the activation of emergency response and recovery programs to help communities rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the fires. This includes providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the disaster, as well as support for local governments in their recovery efforts.

Governor Abbott has urged residents in affected areas to heed evacuation orders and stay informed about the latest developments in the firefighting efforts. He has also called on Texans to take precautions to prevent new wildfires from starting, such as avoiding outdoor burning and using caution when handling flammable materials.

The wildfires in Texas serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. By issuing a disaster declaration, Governor Abbott has taken decisive action to ensure that the state is able to respond effectively to the crisis and provide support to those in need.

As firefighters continue to battle the blazes and communities work to recover from the devastation, it is clear that the impact of the wildfires will be felt for years to come. However, with the support of state resources and the resilience of Texas residents, the state will be able to overcome this crisis and rebuild stronger than ever before.