One lawmaker died Friday in Eastland County after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered evacuations in 11 counties over fears of extreme drought.
Volunteers from almost 58 fire departments were deployed to complement the state and local units, said Seth Christensen, director of media and communications for the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
In response to continuing wildfires throughout the state and the fires which grew into “complex.” a disaster declaration has been introduced.
At least 14 state agencies have sent crews and equipment to the area.
The situation in Texas may also deteriorate as large parts of Texas suffer from drought from the suburbs of Dallas in east to Lubbock in north and Odessa and Midland in west.
Sending my thoughts to the family of Deputy Sgt. Barbara Fenley who tragically lost her life while serving this state.
I'm also thinking of everyone who has been hurt by this devastating wildfire. My thanks to all the first responders who are guiding Texas through this crisis. https://t.co/NUrAXlxHzC
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) March 19, 2022
As wildfires threaten several Texas communities, it’s important to know when to go.
🚗Create an evacuation plan
🎒Pack an emergency kit
📢Evacuate when ordered to by local officials
☎️Texas sheltering info: call 211Texas Wildfire Resources: https://t.co/ETzTW9VBJv#txwx pic.twitter.com/r8bHcrCfoZ
— Texas Division of Emergency Management (@TDEM) March 19, 2022
EASTLAND CO TRAFFIC ALERT: FM2526, from SH6 E to FM2689, & FM 2689, from FM8 to FM2563, remain closed due to downed power lines. Also, please continue to avoid the area of Carbon to allow utility providers access to repair downed power lines. #txdot #EastlandComplexFire pic.twitter.com/l2qAp6gGOn
— TxDOT Brownwood (@TxDOTBWD) March 19, 2022
Today, I issued a disaster declaration for 11 counties impacted by the wildfires in Texas.
We will continue to work w/ local officials to respond.
Join me in praying for those affected, including Eastland Co. Deputy Barbara Fenley who was tragically killed while saving lives. pic.twitter.com/ARbkWfv9fa
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 19, 2022
Blue Origin's 20th flight of New Shepard has shifted to Tuesday, March 29. Pete Davidson is no longer able to join the NS-20 crew on this mission. We will announce the sixth crew member in the coming days.
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) March 18, 2022
