- They couldn’t save their daughters’ lives in the July 4 floods. Now they’re dealing with the grief and the guilt.
- Austin could see heavy rains, possible flooding over the next few days
- Families of campers, counselors who died in Texas Hill County floods sue Camp Mystic
- Small plane bound for Jamaica with hurricane relief supplies crashes in Florida neighborhood
- Ask the Meteorologist: Did a tornado hit Johnston County Saturday night?
Live updates: A record-setting wildfire is burning through the Panhandle
Posted
February 28, 2024 at 4:01 PM CST
The outbreak of wildfires in the Panhandle prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration Wednesday for 60 counties in the area. The state has also activated the Texas Department of Emergency Management to initiate increased firefighting response resources.
Abbott’s office announced the state was deploying additional resources to aid in the local response, including six air tankers that deploy water or fire-retardant materials to affected areas, search-and-rescue teams, additional fire engines and ambulances, veterinary support and animal supply points to provide shelter, food, water and medical care for livestock.
The Texas A&M Forest Service will also supply additional strike teams comprised of nearly 100 personnel and over 30 fire engines, Abbott said.
Abbott’s office added that the Biden administration also approved Texas’ request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will make the state eligible for a 75% reimbursement to cover costs associated with battling the Smokehouse Creek Fire and Windy Deuce Fire, which have consumed about 850,000 and 90,000 acres, respectively.