Featured

Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration for Wildfires

A group of wildfires has struck the Lone Star state, and the race is on to contain it. The wildfire is spreading across the Texas panhandle after gaining more than 250,000 acres on Tuesday. Given the high winds, the hot temperatures, and dry conditions, the road ahead appears difficult. However, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R)has issued a disaster declaration to stop the wildfire in its tracks.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire, which was originally reported on Monday evening, has now grown more than 250,000 acres with no containment. It is primarily being fueled by tall grass, and it is the largest of four large fires that are burning in the state. It is also one of 13 fires in the state that began on Monday.

To address the concern, Governor Abbott announced a disaster declaration, which would assist 60 counties in the state.

“The State of Texas stands ready to provide support to our local partners and deploy all resources needed to protect our fellow Texans and their property,” the governor said in a statement.

“Hot and dry conditions caused by high temperatures and windy conditions are expected to continue in the region in the coming days,” he added, noting that “these conditions could increase the potential for these wildfires to grow larger and more dangerous.”

As a result, Governor Abbott urged Texans “to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe.”

Governor Abbott has announced that additional counties will be added to the disaster declaration should the conditions warrant them being added. As well, he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state emergency response resources that would support local firefighters responding to multiple wildfires that are burning in Texas.

In the state, mandatory evacuations are being conducted in more than a half dozen towns.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Texas at the Center of U.S. LNG Export Boom as 2025 Sets New Records

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have surged to historic levels in 2025, solidifying the…

3 days ago

Former Speaker Dade Phelan Announces Retirement from Texas House

Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) announced that he will not seek reelection to…

3 days ago

Ken Paxton Files Brief Seeking Removal of 13 House Democrats

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has submitted a merits brief to the Supreme Court of…

3 days ago

Governor Abbott Announces $40M for Kerrville Long-Term Flood Recovery

Governor Greg Abbott (R) today announced a $40 million commitment to support long-term housing recovery…

3 days ago

Byron Donalds Endorses Roy for TX Attorney General

Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) is endorsing Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) in his run for Texas…

4 days ago

LONESTAR — 8.22.2025 — Texas House Passes Redistricting Bill — Chip Roy Announces Attorney General Bid — and More...

The Texas House has passed the "One Big Beautiful Congressional Map." After weeks of deliberation…

4 days ago