TEXOMA ( KFDX/KJTL ) — As dry and warm conditions persist into October, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration amid the growing threat of wildfires.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 as weather conditions and dry vegetation increase the risk for wildfires in the state, especially across North and East Texas.

To combat the increased fire risk and more than 80 wildfires that have burned 2,200 acres of Texas land in the past week, Gov. Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional firefighting resources in 143 counties , including all Texoma counties south of the Red River.

“Texans should take precautions, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and limit activities that can cause a spark,” Gov. Abbott said in a press release . “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management personnel for their work as we continue to prepare for potential wildfire activity across North and East Texas.”

TDEM has activated firefighters, heavy equipment, intrastate strike teams, fire engines and aircraft to combat blazes and spot new ones. Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services has provided healthcare personnel and equipment, such as ambulances, to provide medical care to those impacted by wildfires.

The governor urges Texans to follow officials’ instructions to prevent fires, make an emergency plan and keep supplies available in case they find themselves in the path of a fire. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit TexasReady.gov .

Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer to view active wildfires and stay updated on efforts to contain them.

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