AUSTIN, TEXAS — Governor Greg Abbott has activated additional state emergency response resources to address heightened wildfire threats across much of Texas and potential flood risks in West Texas through the weekend. The Governor also amended and renewed the state’s wildfire disaster declaration to now include 179 counties.

“Elevated wildfire conditions and flood risk continue to pose a threat across the state of Texas,” Governor Abbott said. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional resources in preparation for potential wildfires in the eastern half of the state and severe flooding in West Texas. Texas will remain vigilant and continue to provide all necessary resources to protect Texans from wildfire and flood threats.”

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, dry vegetation, rising temperatures, and increased winds have led to an elevated wildfire risk across the eastern half of the state. The agency has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3, signaling increased wildfire activity in multiple regions due to drought and frequent fire weather events. Over 50 wildfires have burned more than 3,000 acres across the state in the past week.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is warning of heavy rainfall in Far West Texas over the weekend. Storms from the eastern Pacific moving northward into the region could produce flash flooding, and residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and follow all guidance from emergency officials.

Under the Governor’s directive, the following agencies and assets have been mobilized:

• Texas A&M Forest Service: More than 350 firefighters and support staff, over 125 firefighting vehicles, and 35 federally contracted aircraft, including air tankers, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft
• Texas Emergency Medical Task Force: Medics, ambulances, and ATV units for wildland fire and severe weather support
• Texas A&M Task Force 1: Swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood response
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: State Incident Management Team to oversee resource coordination
• Texas Department of Transportation: Monitoring and responding to road conditions
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Highway Patrol Troopers assisting with traffic and motorist support
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and State Park Police deployed
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and agricultural support personnel
• Texas Animal Health Commission & Department of Agriculture: Coordinating livestock and agricultural resource needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring and coordinating with power providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Overseeing the natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas sector
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Monitoring air, water, and wastewater systems
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Providing assistance and information via the 2-1-1 Texas network

Texans are encouraged to prepare for both wildfires and flooding by developing emergency plans, following official instructions, and keeping emergency kits accessible. For preparedness tips and up-to-date safety information, visit:

• TexasReady.gov
• tfsweb.tamu.edu for wildfire prevention
• DriveTexas.org for road conditions
• tdem.texas.gov/prepare for general disaster preparedness

Governor Abbott emphasized that the state will continue taking all necessary steps to protect residents and support local response operations as wildfire and flood threats evolve.