Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Issues Coordinated Response to Wildfires Burning Across the State

A wildfire flareup darkens the sky in Mora County, N.M., on May 4, 2022. Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on May 19 announced an ongoing coordinated response to help slow the spread of the multiple wildfires burning across the state.

A total of nine wildfires continued to burn in central and West Texas as of May 19, including the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County, about 170 miles west of Fort Worth, which prompted an evacuation of residents after burning through 50 or 60 homes, according to local reports.

That fire is estimated to cover about 9,600 acres with only 5 percent containment.

The governor’s office noted that another fire burning on May 19, the Coconut Fire in Wilbarger County, is estimated at 25,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. That fire left one firefighter with multiple burn wounds, according to local reports. The firefighter was later released from the hospital after receiving treatment.

“A fast and coordinated response is critical in slowing the spread of wildfires, and I thank the brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their local communities in West and Central Texas,” Abbot said in a May 19 statement.

“The State of Texas continues to work closely with local officials to provide necessary resources to protect Texans. As we continue to monitor the weather, Texans are encouraged to heed the guidance of their local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” Abbot stated.

There are more than 500 firefighters working to put out the fires, including 250 firefighters from the Texas A&M Forest Service, as well as “dozens of aerial and ground assets activated” to help support local officials in their efforts to respond to the wildfires, according to the governor’s office. Approximately 180 personnel and 45 engines have been activated through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, as well as nearly 200 out-of-state fighters who are helping.

“Additional state agencies involved in the wildfire response include the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Military Department, and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force,” the governor’s office said.

On May 18, the Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 5, the highest level of wildland fire activity.

Texas A&M Forest Service has also warned that potentially large wildfires could break out in various other parts of the state through May 20, including the Texas Hill Country and rolling plains, as well as the cities and towns of Childress, Vernon, Abilene, Brownwood, Lampasas, San Angelo, Ozona, and Fredericksburg.

The National Weather Service also issued a Red Flag Warning for Taylor County and several surrounding counties.

Gusty southwest winds and high temperatures along with extremely dry vegetation have increased the risk of fire danger in significant portions of the state through the weekend.

Fires still active across Texas include the Dry Branch Fire in Hamilton County, the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County, the Coconut Fire in Wilbarger County, the Pope 2 Fire in Schleicher County, the Johnson Fork Fire in Kimble County, the Mayfield Fire in San Saba County, and the Twin Starts, Sandstone Mountain, and Slab Road fires in Llano County.