State prepares for wildfire danger, including in Burnet and Llano counties
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 191 Texas counties, including Burnet and Llano counties, in response to increasing wildfire danger, according to an Aug. 12 media release. The Texas Division of Emergency Management was directed to activate its response resources to support local first responders fighting big blazes.
“Our No. 1 priority is to protect the safety and well-being of Texans across the state,” said Gov. Abbott in the release. “Today, I issued a disaster declaration to provide all necessary resources to communities who could be affected by wildfires. Texans are urged to regularly monitor wildfire conditions and heed the guidance of local officials and emergency management personnel to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, warm temperatures, dry vegetation, and increased winds are creating conditions that contribute to an increased risk for wildfire activity across the state. The Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2, indicating elevated fire danger has been observed in some regions. Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention measures, including avoiding activities that may cause sparks or flames, making an emergency plan, following instructions from local officials, and keeping emergency supplies readily available.
At the governor’s direction, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support local wildfire operations:
- The Texas A&M Forest Service has over 100 firefighters and support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders as well as federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including single-engine air tankers for retardant drops and an air attack platform for surveillance and spotting.
- The Texas National Guard has Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capabilities.
Visit TexasReady.gov for wildfire prevention details, find the latest wildfire information from the Texas A&M Forest Service at tfsweb.tamu.edu, and learn about all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.