Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Ross Fire, which has burned tens of thousands of acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties and prompted evacuations.
The federal assistance makes Texas eligible for reimbursement of 75% of eligible wildfire suppression costs, according to the governor’s office.
The Ross Fire has threatened homes, damaged property, and affected infrastructure in North Texas as state and local crews work to contain the blaze.
Federal Grant Supports Firefighting Efforts
The Fire Management Assistance Grant, or FMAG, is available for fires that threaten to become major disasters. The program helps states and local jurisdictions cover eligible costs associated with managing, mitigating, and suppressing dangerous wildfires.
“Texas will provide all necessary resources to protect Texans from the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties,” Abbott said.
The governor thanked the Trump administration for the swift approval and urged residents to avoid activities that could create sparks.
“Texans must limit any activity that can cause a spark and heed the guidance of state and local officials,” Abbott said.
According to the August 25 announcement, the fire had burned more than an estimated 50,000 acres and was 5% contained. Approximately 630 homes were evacuated overnight as the fire threatened surrounding areas. By the following morning, the fire had burned an estimated 80,000 acres and was 12% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service fire tracker.
State Resources Mobilized
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated additional wildfire response resources at Abbott’s direction.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is providing firefighters and support personnel, heavy equipment, and firefighting aircraft. Resources include bulldozers, motor graders, large air tankers, single-engine air tankers, helicopters, and aircraft used for surveillance and fire suppression.
Additional state agencies are supporting the response:
- The Texas Department of State Health Services is making wildland fire support packages available, including medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
- The Texas National Guard has Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters with firefighting capabilities available.
- The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety is providing highway patrol troopers to monitor roadways and assist stranded motorists.
- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing game wardens, park police, and aircraft.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is assisting with agricultural and livestock needs.
- The Public Utility Commission is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers.
- The Railroad Commission is monitoring the state’s natural gas supply and communicating with the oil and gas industry.
- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air, water, and wastewater conditions.
The agencies are working alongside local responders and resources previously deployed to assist communities affected by the fire.
Wildfire Danger Remains Elevated
TDEM and other state emergency management agencies are continuing to monitor wildfire conditions across the northern half of Texas.
The governor’s office said a lack of rainfall and persistent triple-digit temperatures are contributing to elevated wildfire danger across the state.
Residents are encouraged to avoid activities that could ignite dry vegetation and to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials.
Information about wildfire safety, active fires, and damage reporting is available through the Texas Disaster Portal.
Provided by Dallas Express
