Perry renews request for fire aid

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Governor Rick Perry renewed his disaster proclamation Saturday for a sixth time since it was originally issued in December of 2010.

ENHANCED CONTENT: Preparing for wildfire threats

Perry’s office issued a release Saturday saying the renewal was due to ongoing threat from wildfires across the state.

The proclamation covers 254 counties in Texas and allows for necessary resources to help fight the fires and aid in response efforts.

“I am thankful for the ongoing sacrifice from first responders as they continue fighting the wildfires that are ravaging Texas homes and property,” Gov. Perry said. “I urge the federal government to quickly grant Texas the assistance we have requested – and that Texans deserve – to fight these fires. In the meantime, Texas will continue providing all resources possible to respond to one of the worst wildfire seasons in our state’s history.”

In an April 15th letter sent to President Barack Obama , seeking federal aid, Texas was denied federal aid.

Local and state firefighters have responded to more than 11,600 fires that have destroyed more than 460 homes and burned more than 2.8 million acres, an area the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.