Texas secures FEMA grants to support firefighting efforts in San Patricio and Bexar counties
Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants to aid in fighting the Welder Fire in San Patricio County and the Duke Fire in Bexar County. The approval of these grants will provide critical financial support for local and state emergency response efforts as Texas continues to battle widespread wildfires.
FEMA Grants to Help Offset Firefighting Costs
The Fire Management Assistance Grants will cover 75 percent of the costs associated with mitigating, managing, and controlling the Welder and Duke Fires. These grants are essential in ensuring that state and local emergency teams have the necessary resources to prevent further destruction of forests, grasslands, homes, and businesses.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of securing financial assistance to support the ongoing wildfire response efforts. “The State of Texas and emergency responders continue to work around the clock to fight the wildfires in Texas and keep our communities safe,” said Governor Abbott. “FEMA’s approval of Texas’ grant assistance request for San Patricio and Bexar counties will provide crucial financial assistance to help ease the cost of fighting the Welder and Duke fires.”
He also thanked emergency personnel for their dedication and urged Texans to follow safety precautions to protect themselves and their communities. “Texans are strongly urged to heed the guidance of state and local officials and first responders and take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”
Texas Emergency Response Efforts Intensify
In response to rapidly spreading wildfires, Governor Abbott has activated multiple state emergency response resources to assist local fire departments and emergency teams. Currently, the following agencies and resources are deployed to combat wildfires across the state:
Statewide Firefighting Resources
Texas A&M Forest Service: Over 250 state and local firefighters, fire engines, bulldozers, motor graders, and federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including:
- Four large air tankers
- Fifteen single-engine air tankers for retardant drops
- Four air attack platforms for surveillance and fire spotting
- Two super scoopers for water drops
- Four helicopters with firefighting capability
- Three fire bosses for aerial firefighting guidance
Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with fire suppression capabilities
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): Statewide incident management teams to coordinate emergency response
Texas Department of State Health Services: Wildfire medical response teams, including medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment teams to assist with agricultural and livestock damage
Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating livestock and animal resources for impacted farms and ranches
Texas Department of Transportation: Monitoring road conditions and ensuring fire crews can access affected areas
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring power outages and working with utility providers to restore services
Railroad Commission of Texas: Overseeing Texas’ natural gas supply and ensuring communication with the oil and gas industry
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Monitoring air, water, and wastewater quality in affected regions
Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Providing wildfire-related support services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
Texas Department of Information Resources: Ensuring technology infrastructure remains operational
More Than 4,400 Acres Burned in a Single Day
On March 3, 2025, state emergency responders supported 41 new wildfire incidents, which burned over 4,400 acres across Texas. Firefighters continue to battle multiple active blazes, including those in Bexar and San Patricio counties. The approval of FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grants will allow Texas to increase its response efforts and protect both urban and rural communities.
Texans Urged to Take Precautions and Report Damages
Governor Abbott is urging Texans to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent additional wildfires. Residents are encouraged to:
- Avoid activities that could cause sparks
- Create an emergency plan in case evacuations are needed
- Follow guidance from local and state officials
Texans can access wildfire safety resources and report damages through the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov. Those whose homes or businesses were affected can submit a damage report using TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
The iSTAT tool allows Texans to report wildfire-related losses, which helps emergency teams assess damage and connect affected individuals with available resources. However, Governor Abbott’s office clarified that the iSTAT tool does not replace insurance claims or guarantee federal disaster relief assistance.
Governor Abbott Expands Wildfire Disaster Declaration
To address the growing wildfire threat, Governor Abbott has expanded the state’s wildfire disaster declaration, which now includes 236 counties. Additionally, the Readiness Level of the State Emergency Operations Center has been increased, allowing for a faster response to critical fire conditions.
By deploying additional emergency teams, securing federal funding, and activating wildfire response resources, Governor Abbott and state officials are working tirelessly to minimize the destruction caused by Texas wildfires and keep communities safe.
