AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state firefighting resources in support of wildfire response efforts in North Texas.
“I am activating additional resources to help firefighters and other emergency personnel continue to respond to wildfire activity in North Texas,” Abbott said. “Triple-digit heat in the region, and all across our state, continues to increase fire-prone conditions. As Texans gather to celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend, it is important that we remember many of our favorite Fourth of July traditions, such as lighting fireworks and grilling, could inadvertently cause sparks leading to accidental fires. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and take precautions to keep their families, friends, and communities safe from wildfires.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the trend of triple-digit temperatures and limited rainfall causing dry vegetation will continue into the holiday weekend. Portions of the state with dry grasses may have increased potential for wildfire activity due to accidental ignitions caused by activities that may cause sparks, such as fireworks, over the holiday weekend.
