Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Gov. Rick Perry today criticized the Obama Administration for its denial late Tuesday of the states April 16th request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration to assist with the ongoing wildfire season which has burned more than 2.2 million acres an area roughly greater than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Since the wildfire season began in November 2010 Texas has responded to more than 9000 fires across the state that have destroyed or damaged more than 400 homes.
I am dismayed that this administration has denied Texans the much needed assistance they deserve. It is not only the obligation of the federal government but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency" Gov. Perry said. Our state has become a model for the nation in disaster preparedness and response but Texas is reaching its capacity to respond to these emergencies. We will immediately look at all of our options including appealing the denial so Texans can receive the resources and support they need as wildfires continue to threaten life and property across our state.
The State of Texas has continued to provide assistance to communities threatened by the raging fires this season including deploying hundreds of Texas Forest Service personnel and air assets to assist with multiple fires; Texas Military Forces personnel and Blackhawk helicopters to assist fire suppression efforts; Texas Department of Transportation bulldozers and other resources as needed in the affected areas; and deploying Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol and multiple communications trailers to the Texas Forest Service Incident Command Post in Merkel Texas and other areas across the state. Additionally the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) is currently activated. TIFMAS is a network of Texas fire departments willing to provide emergency resources to neighboring communities during the threat of disasters. A Major Disaster Declaration would make the state eligible for response and recovery assistance from the federal government. Texas original request included:- Direct Federal Assistance including aviation assets and wildland structural and wildland/urban interface firefighting resources to state and local agencies in support of firefighting operations and
- Emergency Protective Measures measures taken before during and after a disaster to save lives protect public health and safety and protect improved public and private property.
