‘The safety and well-being of Texans is our No.1 priority’ | Gov. Abbott announces federal aid for resources to fight Texas wildfires

TEXAS, USA — Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request for federal grant assistance to fight the massive wildfires in Gillespie and Gray County.

Right now, the Crabapple wildfire near Fredericksburg covers an estimated 9,500 acres and is only about 40% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Residents in areas directly in the fire’s path have been urged to evacuate.

Meanwhile the Rest Area fire in Gray County located in the Texas Panhandle, scorched an estimated 7.931 acres and is 95% contained.

“Texas is working around the clock to provide all necessary resources to local officials fighting wildfires in Gray and Gillespie Counties,” Governor Abbott said in a statement posted online. “With the approval of these Fire Management Assistance grants, we will continue to support our brave firefighters as they battle these dangerous blazes.”

The approval of these grants, according to Abbott, makes Texas eligible for 75% reimbursement from the government for costs associated with fighting the Rest Area and Crabapple Fire. 

“The safety and well-being of Texans is our No.1 priority,” said Abbott. ”We will work tirelessly to ensure impacted communities get the assistance they need.”