Feb. 29, 2008

Gov. Perry Renews Disaster Proclamation Due to Ongoing Wildfires Across Texas

Adds 32 counties to list of areas threatened by fires

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today renewed a disaster proclamation, originally issued Jan. 29, to address the threat of wildfires across the state. In the updated proclamation, 32 additional counties are identified as threatened or impacted by wildfires, making a total of 216 counties at risk. To date, fires have burned more than 500,000 acres and threatened 2,158 homes, destroyed 50 homes and damaged 35 homes.

“Texas is thankful for the brave men and women from fire departments across the state who battle these fires on the front lines,” said Gov. Perry. “As wildfires continue to rage across our state, I urge all Texans to continue to exercise great caution, and observe burn bans and other warnings to ensure the safety of their families and themselves.”

A series of fronts producing high wind and low humidity has moved across the state, creating extremely dry conditions favorable for wildfires, which are expected to continue well into the spring.

Gov. Perry today expanded the declaration to include Aransas, Austin, Bee, Bowie, Brazos, Calhoun, Cameron, Dallam, Dallas, Donley, Fayette, Freestone, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harrison, Hartley, Henderson, Jasper, Leon, Newton, Ochiltree, Panola, Sabine, San Patricio, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Smith, Titus, Tyler and Upshur counties.

Gov. Perry has authorized the following resources for fire suppression operations:

A Texas Forest Service (TFS) Incident Command Post in Granbury remains operational to provide assistance as needed.
Six utility helicopters from Texas Military Forces (TMF) are mobilized in Austin and San Antonio.
TFS helicopters located in Abilene, Fredericksburg, Midland, Mineral Wells and San Angelo are prepared for deployment as needed.
The Texas Department of Transportation is providing 17 dynamic message signs and three changeable message signs to alert the public of fire danger.
Volunteer organizations, including the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, are providing shelter and assistance where needed

The State Operations Center remains at the highest level of activation to monitor the situation. The Governor’s Division of Emergency Management is coordinating state support for local officials. To learn the latest information about wildfires affecting Texas communities, please visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm.

On Feb. 1 the governor asked President Bush, to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which would make Texas eligible for federal financial assistance as the state quickly approaches its capacity to respond to these emergencies. To view Governor Perry’s letter to President Bush requesting a disaster declaration and his state disaster proclamation, please visit http://www.governor.state.tx.us/.