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Published on January 24, 2025
Governor Abbott Mobilizes Emergency Resources as Wildfires and Floods Threaten West and Southeast TexasSource: Google Street View

As wildfires threaten to sweep across West Texas and potential floods loom over Southeast Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has called on the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources. Addressing the imminent dangers, the Governor's office issued a statement, "The State of Texas stands ready to assist local officials as wildfire risks increase in West Texas and potential flash flooding threatens Southeast Texas," echoing the urgency posed by the natural disasters on the horizon. Texans are being strongly cautioned by Governor Abbott to both avoid activities that may cause sparks and to prepare for the flash flooding forecasted in the coming days, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor official news post.

The advisory released by the Texas A&M Forest Service points to dry conditions, high winds, and low temperatures fueling the wildfire concerns, especially across regions such as the Panhandle and the Permian Basin. With potential flooding on the radar, the National Weather Service has predicted heavy rainfalls starting Sunday, which, as a consequence of climate, is expected to disrupt Southeast Texas. Residents are urged by Governor Abbott to heed the guidance of state and local officials and make an emergency plan in light of these warnings.

TDEM is prepping a range of assets in anticipation of the need for support, including firefighters from the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, firefighting aircraft for aerial assault on the blazes, swiftwater rescue boat squads by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, and Wildland Fire Support Packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services. These packages, as described in the Office of the Texas Governor's announcement, will consist of paramedics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles to navigate the potentially treacherous environs.

With the looming threat of these natural calamities, Texans are encouraged to organize an emergency supply kit and to familiarize themselves with all-hazards preparedness information made available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare. More safety tips and guidance can be found at TexasReady.gov, aimed to assist Texans in preparing and protecting themselves against the unpredictable whims of nature.