Texas Gov. Abbott’s administration acts decisively by securing FEMA grants and mobilizing state emergency teams, including National Guard helicopters and medical support to combat Texas wildfires
Austin, Texas – In a decisive response to the escalating wildfires in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has secured critical federal assistance through the approval of Fire Management Assistance Grants from FEMA. These grants are specifically for the Rest Area Fire in Gray County and the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County, both of which have posed significant threats to the safety and property of Texans in these regions.
Governor Abbott, addressing the urgency of the situation, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting local efforts in combating these destructive fires.
“Texas is working around the clock to provide all necessary resources to local officials fighting wildfires in Gray and Gillespie counties,” said Governor Abbott.
“With the approval of these Fire Management Assistance grants, we will continue to support our brave firefighters as they battle these dangerous blazes. The safety and well-being of Texans is our No. 1 priority, and we will work tirelessly to ensure impacted communities get the assistance they need. I thank our first responders and brave firefighters for their work to protect their fellow Texans,” Abbott added.
The Fire Management Assistance Grants play a crucial role in the state’s firefighting efforts by allowing Texas to receive a 75 percent reimbursement for expenses incurred while managing these wildfires. These expenses include operational activities such as deploying firefighting personnel and equipment, executing evacuation procedures, and conducting rehabilitation of the affected areas.
To bolster these efforts, Governor Abbott has directed a comprehensive deployment of state resources to support the affected counties. Among these resources are teams from the Texas A&M Forest Service, which include local, state, and federally contracted firefighters equipped with advanced firefighting machinery such as bulldozers, motor graders, and a fleet of aircraft designed for aerial firefighting operations.
Additionally, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has deployed the State of Texas Incident Management Team to oversee and coordinate these extensive efforts across the state. The Texas National Guard has also been activated, contributing Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capabilities to the operational resources.
Support extends beyond direct firefighting efforts, with the Texas Department of State Health Services deploying Wildland Fire Support Packages consisting of medical teams, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles to ensure the health and safety of both the firefighting personnel and the residents of the affected areas. Moreover, the Texas Department of Public Safety, including Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, is involved in maintaining public safety and traffic control around the affected zones.
Governor Abbott’s administration is also taking proactive measures to prepare for potential future wildfires. This includes enhancing the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center and updating the state’s wildfire disaster declaration. Additional state emergency response resources have been activated in anticipation of extremely critical wildfire conditions forecasted for other parts of Texas.
For residents affected by these wildfires, the Texas Division of Emergency Management encourages the use of the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) for reporting damage. This online tool, available in multiple languages, helps state and local management teams assess the impact of the fires and facilitates the connection of impacted individuals with necessary resources.
Governor Abbott’s timely coordination with federal and state agencies underscores the state’s dedication to mitigating wildfire damage and ensuring the safety of its residents. As the situation develops, Texans are urged to stay informed, adhere to local guidelines, and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their properties from future wildfires.
