Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott as we speak introduced ongoing coordinated response to wildfires burning throughout West and Central Texas. Multiple wildfires proceed to burn throughout Texas, together with the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County, which has triggered native officers to provoke evacuation orders for residents.
“A fast and coordinated response is critical in slowing the spread of wildfires, and I thank the brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their local communities in West and Central Texas,” stated Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas continues to work closely with local officials to provide necessary resources to protect Texans. As we continue to monitor the weather, Texans are encouraged to heed the guidance of their local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
As of Thursday afternoon, the Coconut Fire in Wilbarger County is estimated at 25,000 acres and 20 % contained, and the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County is estimated at 9,613 acres and 5 % containment. Information about these native evacuations is obtainable by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
The State of Texas has greater than 500 personnel in addition to dozens of aerial and floor property activated to assist native officers’ wildfire response efforts, together with roughly 250 firefighters from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Approximately 180 personnel and 45 engines are activated by the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, in addition to greater than 190 personnel from out of state. Additional state companies concerned within the wildfire response embody the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Military Department, and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force.
The Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department notes the potential for big wildfires exists within the Texas Hill Country and Rolling Plain by Friday, in areas that embody Childress, Vernon, Abilene, Brownwood, Lampasas, San Angelo, Ozona, and Fredericksburg.
Triple-digit temperatures, mixed with extraordinarily dry vegetation and excessive winds, will improve the chance of fireplace exercise in important parts of the state by the weekend.
On Wednesday, the Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 5 (PL 5) attributable to a major improve in fireplace exercise throughout the state, potential for big fires which might be resistant to manage, in addition to the elevated dedication of state and native sources to fires.
Texans can go to tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation and tdem.texas.gov/disasters/2022-spring-wildfires to entry the newest fireplace sources and security tips.