Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a briefing Friday with state and local officials to provide an update on the state’s ongoing response to wildfires impacting Texas during a press conference in Borger.
“The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy," the governor said. "I thank the many leaders and emergency management personnel here today who are working around-the-clock to swiftly respond to active wildfires and provide the resources impacted Texans need. Even in the midst of these devastating fires, we have seen a tremendous amount of perseverance and resiliency in these communities. Together, we will do everything we can to deliver the resources and assistance Texans need to respond and stay safe."
At the press conference, Abbott offered the full support of the State of Texas to impacted communities as they continue to experience dangerous wildfire conditions and highlighted the extensive work state and local officials and emergency response personnel have done to respond to wildfire activity throughout the Panhandle region. He also addressed the state's plan to expand air support and debris removal services in affected regions as dangerous weather threats persist in the coming days.
He was joined at the briefing and press conference by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Congressman Ronny Jackson, State Senator Charles Perry, State Representative Four Price, State Representative John Smithee, Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis, Borger Mayor Karen Felker, Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin and other state and local officials.
On Thursday, Abbott granted waivers for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as the state continues surging all available resources to support Texans and communities impacted by wildfires. Wednesday, he directed TDEM to deploy additional state emergency response resources to meet the urgent needs of communities currently experiencing wildfire activity.
Texans impacted by devastating wildfires are encouraged to complete TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) self-reporting damage survey to help state and local officials identify damages and determine the state’s eligibility for federal disaster assistance. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov.
The information provided in the self-reported damage assessment surveys help emergency management officials identify any immediate resource needs and understand the extent of damages that have occurred. Survey information also help officials in determining the state’s eligibility for various forms of federal disaster assistance. Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is voluntary and not a substitute for reporting damage to insurance agencies, nor does it guarantee disaster assistance.
Texans are urged to heed guidance from local officials, limit activities that may cause sparks or flames and keep emergency supplies easily accessible.
Visit TexasReady.gov for wildfire tips; tfsweb.tamu.edu for safety information; and tdem.texas.gov to report wildfire damages.