Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for 11 Texas counties in response to wildfires

AUSTIN, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 11 Texas counties in response to wildfire activity throughout several communities.

The counties included in the disaster declaration are:

Brooks
Brown
Coleman
Comanche
Eastland
Grayson
Mason
Potter
Randall
Reynolds
Williamson

Gov. Abbott held a press conference Friday evening after the briefing at the Eastland Fire Department where he was joined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Representative Glenn Rogers, and local officials.

Gov. Greg Abbott gives update on Eastland Complex fires

Gov. Abbott says local and state officials are working successfully together to contain the West Texas wildfires, and their main focus is on saving human lives.

Low humidity and gusty winds fueled multiple wildfires Friday in Texas, burning homes and other structures and prompting evacuations of small communities.

Several wildfires merged to form what fire officials call a "complex" that was burning near Eastland, about 120 miles west of Dallas.

About 18,000 people live in Eastland County, where the large fire was burning.

Gov. Abbott said the wildfires began on Feb. 23 and they pose an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property in those counties.

More counties can be included in the disaster declaration if needed.

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