Texas First Lady Anita Perry Surveys Fire Damage in West Texas

Texas First Lady Anita Perry today joined Rep. Pete Gallego in Fort Davis to survey wildfire damage in the region. The National Weather Service has warned that unusually high winds, along with dry air moving across record dry areas will create extremely critical fire conditions across a large part of Texas. Sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts greater than 40 mph are expected.

"While officials estimate that the fires in this region are 40 percent contained, dangerous conditions are expected for the next several days," said Texas First Lady Anita Perry. "I'm urging Texans to heed all warnings from local officials and follow the latest safety guidance as wildfire containment efforts continue."
The governor issued an Emergency Disaster Proclamation on Dec. 21, 2010, which was renewed on Jan. 19, 2011, February 17 and March 18. This proclamation remains in effect as extreme wildfire conditions persist. To view the governor's renewed disaster proclamation, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/news/proclamation/15854/.

Since wildfire season began, Texas has responded to 6,831 fires across the state that have burned more than 643,000 acres and destroyed 151 homes. Rescue efforts have saved 6,556 threatened homes. For more information on preparing for wildfire threats, please visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=8512.

The State Operations Center has been partially activated and continues to work closely with the Texas Forest Service, National Weather Service and other state and local entities to monitor this severe wildfire threat. Additionally, burn bans are currently active in 180 counties. To see the list of these counties, please visit http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/wildfires/decban.png.