AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After last year’s devastating Smokehouse Creek fire, Texas lawmakers have passed new wildfire legislation that puts $630 million towards firefighting and prevention efforts across the state.
The funding approved during the 89th Texas Legislative Session and signed by the governor goes to the Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments. Major investments include wildfire suppression aircraft, volunteer fire departments, and new technology to help departments respond more quickly to emergencies.
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The new funding to Texas A&M Forest Service includes:
- $257 million for the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft
- $192,291,000 for volunteer fire department grants for outstanding unfunded requests
- $124,754,143 for wildfire and natural disaster expenses incurred during 2023-2025
- $44 million in additional funding for volunteer fire department grants
- $2,056,918 in motor vehicle purchases
- $2,044,444 in volunteer fire department insurance from Fund 5066 increases
- $2,004,148 in additional funding for group insurance
- $4 million in certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool
- $500,000 in a database of wildland firefighting equipment in the state
“This funding will support the purchase, operation, and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft,” said Hughes Simpson, assistant director of the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Additionally, the state also made a historic investment in the volunteer fire departments. This is the state’s first line of defense against wildfires.”
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A key part is Senate Bill 767, which authorizes the creation of a statewide equipment database that helps departments locate and share firefighting resources faster.
“This database will include a public-facing searchable feature where fire departments can quickly access what type of equipment is available at their neighbors,” Simpson said…