AUSTIN (KAMR/KCIT) — Today, officials with the office of Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a request from the State of Texas for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the “8 Ball” fire.
On Monday, Feb. 16, the fire started in Armstrong County and entered Donley County, threatening homes and infrastructure in the Panhandle area, and has prompted local evacuations.
Wildfires cause evacuations, impact traffic across the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas
“Texas continues to work around the clock to provide all necessary resources to those affected by the 8 Ball Fire,” said Gov. Abbott. “With this FEMA grant, our brave wildfire response teams will be further equipped to manage and contain fires in the Panhandle. I thank the Trump Administration and FEMA for swiftly approving this funding and thank our heroic emergency personnel for their efforts to protect their fellow Texans.”
The release stated that Gov. Abbott continues to take the following actions to help protect Texans from the effects of wildfires:
- Increasing the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center ahead of critical fire weather conditions
- Activating additional state wildfire response resources ahead of critical fire danger
At the time of this release, the 8 Ball Fire has burned an estimated 13,000 acres and is 55% contained. It has already forced the evacuation of approximately 400 homes and has threatened more than 1,100 homes. While some residents have been able to return home, state and local resources remain actively engaged in suppression, containment, and public safety efforts…