Disaster Response

Wildfire response

Texas uses a tiered approach to wildfire response. Local fire departments and counties are the first responders, with state response activated as wildfires become more complex.  

We are the lead agency for wildfire response in the state and maintain a network of strategically placed personnel and equipment for an efficient and effective response statewide. The agency is responsible for providing protection of the lives, property, and resources of the citizens of Texas.

The Incident Command System is used to coordinate the efforts of all cooperators and minimize losses. Safe, but aggressive initial attack is emphasized, based on forecasted fire behavior. Rapid response and use of appropriate resources are also essential in preventing project fires. Project fires are large, destructive, burn multiple days, and tie up resources that may be needed to respond to new wildfires. 

  • Our Emergency Operations Center provides statewide situational awareness and management of all agency emergency response activities.

    Man speaking in front of screens with wildfire map displayed

  • Aircraft are one of the many tools used to help fight wildfires in Texas. We obtain firefighting aircraft through a Call-When-Needed agreement with the federal government.

All-hazard response

In addition to fighting wildfires, we are routinely called upon by the Texas Division of Emergency Management to assist during all-hazard emergencies. In addition to being the primary agency for firefighting, we support nine of the 20 annexes for Emergency Support Functions in the State Emergency Management Plan for Emergency Services.

Our workforce is highly trained and works with other responding state agencies to increase the effectiveness of response through shared training and common communications.

Planning and preparedness

We work together with other agencies, departments, and staff to plan, develop, implement, support, and assess our response capabilities and needs. 

Staff monitor the wildfire threat and determine the level of preparedness needed to keep the state safe. Based on this, resources are moved and prepositioned in areas at risk. Our Field Operations Division coordinates the placement and daily management of these resources.  

Meanwhile, the Fire and Emergency Response Division uses technology to forecast critical wildfire weather, manages the Emergency Operations Center, oversees dispatch, and mobilizes additional resources, such as aircraft, to wildfire incidents. 

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