Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that firefighters and support personnel from across Texas have been deployed to help combat the devastating wildfires currently impacting the state of California. Approximately 190 firefighters, 50 fire trucks, and 10 command vehicles from 56 fire departments in Texas will be deployed to California today.
These resources are in addition to the 44 firefighters, 10 fire trucks, and 2 command vehicles previously deployed in late August.
This deployment is made possible through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), where the state of Texas is able to mobilize resources from fire departments across the state.
"Texas is ready to answer the call for help when disaster strikes — whether it's here in the Lone Star State or across the country," said Governor Abbott.
"I thank the brave men and women serving in our fire departments across Texas for stepping up to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. I ask all Texans to join me and Cecilia in prayer for the courageous firefighters battling these wildfires, as well as those who have been affected by this disaster."
Governor Abbott Deploys Texas A&M Task Force 1 To Louisiana Ahead Of Tropical Storm Sally
At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Louisiana as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Sally. Texas A&M Task Force 1 has deployed a Type 1 urban search-and-rescue team consisting of 80 personnel, 6 boats, and 4 canines.
"As our friends in Louisiana prepare for Tropical Storm Sally, the State of Texas is ready to assist in response and recovery efforts," said Governor Abbott.
"I thank the members of Texas A&M Task Force 1 who are acting swiftly to help our neighbors in Louisiana, and I ask all Texans to pray for those in the path of this storm. Our neighbors in Louisiana were there for us during Hurricane Harvey, and we will be here for them as Tropical Storm Sally nears their shores."
Texas A&M Task Force 1 functions as one of the 28 federal teams under FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System and is one of two statewide search and rescue teams under the direction of the TDEM.
