Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties due to wildfires ravaging the Texas Panhandle.

The declaration included all 26 counties in the panhandle.

“Additional counties may be added if conditions warrant. Governor Abbott also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources to support local firefighters responding to multiple wildfires burning Texas,” a press release from Abbott’s office states.

“I issued a disaster declaration today to ensure critical fire response resources are swiftly deployed to areas in the Texas Panhandle being impacted by devastating wildfires,” Abbott said.

“The State of Texas stands ready to provide support to our local partners and deploy all resources needed to protect our fellow Texans and their property. Hot and dry conditions caused by high temperatures and windy conditions are expected to continue in the region in the coming days. These conditions could increase the potential for these wildfires to grow larger and more dangerous. Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe. I also want to thank the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their fellow Texans,” he added.

KVII reports:

TAMFS reported several wildfires across the Panhandle on Monday. Strong winds have impacted these fires and caused them to grow.

The governor has directed TDEM to activate the following state emergency response resources to support wildfire response operations:

  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Over 95 firefighters, heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders; All Hazard Incident Management Team personnel; 5 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike teams comprised of over 95 personnel and over 25 fire engines
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management: Emergency response personnel to support requests for assistance from local officials
  • Texas National Guard: CH47 Chinook helicopter with firefighting capability
  • Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment to assist with road closures and fuel for firefighting support
  • Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages including paramedics and ambulances
  • Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to assist with road closures and traffic control
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
  • Texas Animal Health Commission: Personnel to provide livestock support
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

“Currently, urgent mandatory evacuations are underway as emergency sirens blare for residents across the panhandle in Texas, as well as surrounding areas. Multiple departments are on the scene battling four significant and dangerous wildfires, with 65 mph winds making containment extremely difficult. The fire is spreading rapidly, causing heavy flames and thick smoke visible for miles All roads have been blocked. Police and emergency officials are urging everyone to leave as this is a life-threatening situation,” Rawsalerts wrote.

WATCH:

From The Texas Tribune:

Officials have ordered nearly 5,000 residents in the Panhandle cities of Canadian, Fritch and Glazier to shelter in place Tuesday as four separate wildfires engulfed the region, burning more than 230,000 acres.

Residents in Hemphill County, where Canadian is, were initially told to evacuate as the Smokehouse Creek fire — the largest of the four — spread and burned more than 200,000 acres within a day. As firefighters worked to contain the fire in Canadian, about 100 miles northeast of Amarillo, evacuation efforts hit a snag as the main roadway was blocked by the fire.

Shortly after the mandatory order was announced, the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office shared on social media that Highway 60/83 was shut down. The sheriff’s office instructed residents to go to the gym at Canadian High School to shelter in place.

“Having them all in one place is the safest option at this time,” said Stephanie Purcell, a representative for the sheriff’s office.

Purcell said the wind could possibly push the fire towards Highway 33 in Canadian as well.

“There were earlier evacuation orders, but it got to the point where the fire was close enough that it was no longer safe to travel on those roads,” said Kari Hines, a public information officer for Texas A&M Forest Service. “It’s safer to stay inside structures, at least while the main body of the fire passes.”

Hines said crews have responded from across the state and are working in long shifts to contain the fire before taking breaks to rest. With a cold front coming in, Hines said firefighters are preparing for another shift in the winds that might move the fire further.

This story is developing. 

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