City of Austin, Travis County issue disaster declarations due to wildfires

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown have each issued a disaster declaration following a series of wildfires in the area and on-going concerns about dry conditions.

In issuing the declaration, it allows for "easier access to state resources should the need arise," Brown said in a news release.

"By signing this disaster declaration, it will help prepare our wildfire response for the worst-case scenario and remain in a ready posture moving forward,” Brown said.

Over the past few weeks, the Powder Keg Fire near Bastrop State Park burned nearly 117 acres, the Oak Grove Fire in Hays County grew to 400 acres, evacuating several homes and destroying the home of 75-year-old Army veteran Michael Hinz and a fire in Cedar Park destroyed an apartment building.

"A disaster declaration helps us to be further prepared in the event of a wildfire and the damage that results from it, the declaration allows us to move quickly and access the necessary resources to help us recover," Watson said in a news release.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday that he issued a disaster declaration for 191 Texas counties, including Travis County, due to the wildfires ripping through the state.

"As we continue to respond to wildfire conditions across the state, Texas is ready to provide any additional resources and aid to impacted communities," Abbott said in a news release.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin and Travis County issue wildfire disaster declaration