Texas secures federal funding as FEMA approves Fire Management Assistance Grant to help combat the Double S Fire, strengthening efforts to contain the wildfire in the Panhandle

Hutchinson County, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Texas’ request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help combat the Double S Fire in Hutchinson County. This grant will provide crucial federal support, covering 75 percent of eligible costs associated with firefighting efforts.

The Double S Fire, which has scorched acres of land in the Texas Panhandle, has prompted an all-hands-on-deck response from state and local emergency teams. Governor Abbott emphasized that Texas is working tirelessly to contain the fire and protect communities in its path. “With FEMA’s approval of this Fire Management Assistance grant, our brave firefighters are better able to battle these blazes,” Abbott said. He also urged residents to follow guidance from local officials and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Under the governor’s direction, multiple state agencies have been deployed to assist in the response. The Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized firefighters, equipment, and aircraft, including large air tankers and helicopters designed for water drops. The Texas National Guard has also been activated, providing additional aerial firefighting support through Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters.

In addition to direct firefighting efforts, several other agencies are playing key roles in mitigating the fire’s impact. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has dispatched incident response teams to coordinate disaster relief efforts. The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing medical support to responders on the front lines. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to help maintain road safety and assist residents evacuating high-risk areas.

The governor encouraged Texans to remain vigilant and report wildfire damage through the state’s official assessment tool, iSTAT, available online. This data will help emergency officials assess the extent of destruction and determine further assistance for affected residents. While the grant approval marks a significant step in combating the blaze, Abbott stressed the importance of wildfire prevention.

“Texans in affected areas are urged to heed the guidance of local officials and to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself, your family, and your loved ones safe. I thank our heroic firefighters and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts as they continue to protect their fellow Texans,” he said.

This latest grant approval is part of a broader effort by the state to secure federal resources for wildfire response. In recent weeks, Texas has obtained multiple Fire Management Assistance Grants, including for the Rest Area Fire, Crabapple Fire, and Welder Fire. Additionally, Governor Abbott has requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support communities affected by recent wildfire outbreaks.

With dry conditions and high winds fueling fire risks across the state, officials are urging Texans to stay prepared. Resources on wildfire safety, evacuation plans, and reporting tools are available through the Texas Disaster Portal. As the battle against the Double S Fire continues, state and local teams remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the vast Texas landscape from further devastation.

Texans can locate wildfire resources, including wildfire tips and information on how to report damage, by visiting the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.

Texans can visit TexasReady.gov for wildfire tips, tfsweb.tamu.edu for safety information, and tdem.texas.gov to report wildfire damages.