Gov. Perry declares disaster needs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gov. Rick Perry is requesting Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Texas as a result of the continuing wildfire dangers. In a letter sent to President Barack Obama late Saturday afternoon, the governor identified 252 Texas counties presently threatened or impacted by wildfires.

Since wildfire season began, Texas fire officials have responded to 7,807 fires across the state that have burned more than 1,528,714 acres and destroyed 244 homes.

A Major Disaster Declaration makes the state eligible for response and recovery assistance from the federal government. Texas’ request includes:

• Direct Federal Assistance including aviation assets and wildland, structural and wildland/urban interface firefighting resources to state and local agencies in support of firefighting operations, and
• Emergency Protective Measures – measures taken before, during and after a disaster to save lives, protect public health and safety, and protect improved public and private property.