President Barack Obama has signed a major disaster declaration for parts of Texas ravaged by wildfires in April and early May, ordering federal aid to help state and local recovery efforts.
The White House had previously rejected Texas’ request for a major disaster declaration, sparking a fight with Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican who is considering a run for president.
Texas is enduring one of its worst wildfire seasons ever with more than 3 million acres scorched by flames fueled by high temperatures, drought and strong winds. One blaze that started near Possum Kingdom Lake, about 75 miles west of Fort Worth, destroyed more than 160 homes as it burned into three counties for two weeks.
Friday’s declaration allows local governments in 45 counties to seek federal help paying for debris removal and emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.
Perry welcomed the help but called it a “fraction” of what Texas needs in the wake of more than 11,900 wildfires since December.
“President Obama’s decision to finally approve a portion of our disaster declaration request is good for Texas and some of the communities impacted by this season’s wildfires,” Perry said in a statement.
“Our prayers continue to go out to those putting their lives on the line fighting these fires, as well as those whose property and livelihoods remain in danger,” Perry said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this week designated the entire state a natural disaster area, allowing farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans.
Many producers in the nation’s second-leading agricultural state have lost entire crops because of drought and wildfires.
May 31 marked the end of the driest-ever eight-month span and some parts of Texas have not seen significant rain since August. Burn bans are in place in 235 of the state’s 254 counties. Some cities, including Austin, have cancelled Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.
Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Wildfire Agribusiness
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Progressive Gains as Drivers Shop Around for Auto Insurance—Again 
Chubb to Acquire MGA Healthy Paws From Aon 
South Carolina Ringleader Sentenced to 8 Years for Staged Accidents 
Tiny Texas City Repels Russia-Tied Hackers Eyeing Water System 
