Nortex Times

On Aug. 25, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took action by deploying 89 firefighters and emergency resources to assist neighboring Louisiana in their battle against raging wildfires near the Texas-Louisiana border, showcasing cross-state solidarity in times of crisis. The move comes as Gov. Abbott also renews a disaster declaration for over 200 Texas counties due to the ongoing wildfire threat.

“Texas has deployed firefighters, emergency response personnel, and resources to help our neighbors in Louisiana respond to devastating wildfires,” said Gov. Abbott, according to an Aug. 25 press release. “Just as the State of Louisiana offered their support and assistance during Hurricane Harvey six years ago, Texas is swiftly providing the personnel and resources our neighbors need to combat these destructive wildfires impacting their state. When neighbors help neighbors, America is stronger. Cecilia and I continue to pray for the brave first responders who are responding to these dangerous wildfires and others across Texas and our country as they answer the call to protect and serve their fellow Americans."

In the press release, Gov. Abbott announced the deployment of a team comprising 89 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency management personnel, accompanied by essential emergency response resources, to aid Louisiana in combating severe wildfires that were engulfing regions near the Texas-Louisiana border and spreading across the Pelican State.

Gov. Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy significant wildfire response resources, including 66 firefighters, 12 fire engines, and other support vehicles, under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), per the press release. These resources, provided by agencies like the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Department of State Health Services, are aimed at aiding in the firefighting efforts against wildfires in the region. Additionally, the Texas A&M Forest Service has also dispatched firefighting aircraft to assist Louisiana in battling the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish earlier this week.

On Aug. 22, Gov. Abbott extended and adjusted a disaster declaration for 205 Texas counties facing wildfire threats due to extreme heat and drought conditions, according to the press release. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is collaborating with various agencies, including the Texas A&M Forest Service, to coordinate wildfire responses across the state. The current resources dedicated to Texas' wildfire response efforts encompass over 460 firefighters from the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System and Texas A&M Forest Service, along with support from over 490 out-of-state firefighters from 35 states, numerous firefighting vehicles, aircraft, and medical task force support packages.

Texas is actively supporting the response to four ongoing wildfires, notably the Shearwood Creek fire in Jasper County, which has surpassed 3,000 acres, according to the press release. Over 115 firefighters and paramedics, along with firefighting equipment like engines, bulldozers, aircraft, and medical support, have been deployed at the direction of Gov. Abbott to assist local responders in managing these fires. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at 4 due to concerning fuel and weather conditions, highlighting the importance of emergency planning, fire prevention measures, and staying informed about official warnings for Texans.

According to the press release, Texans seeking wildfire safety information can visit TexasReady.gov and tfsweb.tamu.edu. Additionally, the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) offers a state-to-state mutual aid system for disaster response, allowing states to share resources, protect deployed personnel, and receive reimbursement for mission-related expenses. More details are available at emacweb.org.