Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown have issued disaster declarations in response to a series of wildfires in their respective areas, and due to ongoing concerns about dry conditions in the region.
According to Brown, the disaster declarations are intended to allow for “easier access to state resources should the need arise.” These declarations are a procedural step, aimed at allowing preparation for potential wildfire scenarios and maintaining a state of readiness moving forward.
Several wildfires have recently affected the Austin area:
- The Powder Keg Fire near Bastrop State Park burned nearly 117 acres.
- The Oak Grove Fire in Hays County grew to 400 acres. This fire led to the evacuation of several homes and destroyed the residence of 75-year-old Army veteran Michael Hinz.
- A fire in Cedar Park resulted in the destruction of an apartment building.
In a news release, Watson outlined the practical implications of the disaster declaration. He noted that the declaration “helps us to be further prepared in the event of a wildfire and the damage that results from it, the declaration allows us to move quickly and access the necessary resources to help us recover.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 191 Texas counties, including Travis County. This action was taken in response to the wildfires that are affecting various parts of the state.
In a separate news release, Abbott stated that Texas is prepared to provide additional resources and aid to communities impacted by the wildfires as the state continues to respond to wildfire conditions.
As Texas faces a challenging wildfire season, the disaster declarations issued by local and state officials are part of the administrative response to the situation. With the wildfire season ongoing and dry conditions prevalent, the disaster declarations issued by Watson, Brown and Abbott are framed as administrative steps taken with the intent of safeguarding residents and property in Austin, Travis County and across the state.
For ongoing updates on the wildfires and resources available to those affected, residents are encouraged to visit official city and county websites and to follow local news and social media channels.
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