Texas agency seeks millions more to fight fires

HOUSTON (AP) — The Texas agency responsible for fighting wildfires has asked the state Legislature for an additional $27.2 million to add some 90 firefighters and buy equipment as it faces the threat of more devastating fires in the future.

Texas A&M Forest Service official Robby DeWitt says the additional funds are necessary because the agency had to bring in more expensive out-of-state crews nationwide in 2011 to help battle the worst wildfire season in state history.

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The House has recommended providing the agency with the same level of funding it received for 2012-13. The Senate has proposed providing at least the additional funds the agency needs to expand. The final bill will likely look different from both of those.

During the 2011 legislative session, lawmakers trimmed about one-third of the agency's money for its fire service section.

During the height of the 2011 wildfire season -- one of the worst in Texas history -- agency officials said they planned to ask lawmakers in the 2013 legislative session to pay for as much as $61.5 million to pay for the cost of those fires.