Texas Governor Declares State of Disaster As Wildfires Burn

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster as wildfires continue to burn in the Lone Star State. 

ABOUT THE FIRE

The Das Goat Fire is the result of a vehicle fire on Friday, March 25, 2022 in Medina County.

It has now spread across the area and burned over 1,000 acres in the Austin area as of March 28. 

The governor said on the 28th that three homes have been lost and 37 others threatened. 

The fires have spread due to high winds, dry heat, and drought conditions throughout Texas. 

FIGHTING THE FIRE

According to KXAN, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported that more than 900 local and state firefighters are working to put out the fire. Crew members from 70 different local fire departments are working across the state with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. 

KXAN also said approximately 400 out-of-state firefighters are also working to put out the flames.

NOAA WEATHER RADIOS AND WILDFIRES

It's important in any emergency to ensure you're getting the fastest, most reliable alerts.

NOAA Weather Radios alert you immediately after the county alert is issued, giving you valuable time to react.

This comes in handy for wildfires like this when emergency managers are working to alert people of evacuation orders.

Midland's WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio is perfect for your home. Keep it on your nightstand by your bed, in your home office, or kitchen. With localized programming, you'll be alerted to over 60 kinds of weather hazards and emergencies, like wildfires. 

 

When evacuating in cases like wildfires, Midland's ER210 E+Ready® Compact Emergency Crank WX is sure to keep you and others safe. With its compact size, it can be easily stowed easily. This radio gets its power from batteries, a hand crank, and solar so you won't have to worry about it losing power when you need it the most. When you're on the road evacuating, you need to be sure to have a radio that has AM/FM and NOAA Weather Alert channels as you move through different areas and need to stay up to date with the latest information. 

Midland Radio is an advocate for having multiple, redundant ways of receiving weather alerts. 

Cellphones are great, but the towers could become overwhelmed or destroyed in a wildfire, leaving you with the possibility of never receiving the alert or getting it when it's too late. 

Having a plan and an emergency go kit could very well save your life and that of your loved ones.