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.