Governor Greg Abbott surveyed damage from the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties on Sept. 3, served meals to first responders in Mineral Wells and delivered an update on the state’s ongoing wildfire response, his office announced.
The fire has threatened homes, damaged property, affected infrastructure and prompted local evacuations across North Texas, according to the governor’s news release. Even so, the state reported no deaths or injuries tied to the blaze.
“Residents and first responders have faced the Ross Fire with courage and resilience,” Abbott said in the release. “Thanks to Texans’ extraordinary efforts, there have been no reported deaths or injuries. Once this fire is extinguished, we will remain involved to address the needs of every family in this region and help rebuild our affected communities.”
More than 1,300 state responders and over 525 pieces of equipment have been deployed to support local wildfire response operations, including the Ross Fire, the governor’s office said. Abbott used his remarks to highlight the resources the state has directed to affected communities as state and local emergency personnel work to contain the fire.
The governor was joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Senator Phil King, Representative Mike Olcott, Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long, Jack County Judge Brian Keith Umphress and other first responders and state officials.
State officials urged Texans whose property was damaged by wildfire to report it once it is safe to do so through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool at damage.tdem.texas.gov. The governor’s office said the self-reported survey data helps officials connect affected Texans with resources and services, and pointed residents to the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov for additional wildfire resources.