Gov. Greg Abbott provided updates on Sunday (March 27) on the State of Texas’ fire response efforts to a wildfire in Medina County, as well as issued a disaster declaration, according to a press release issued by his office.
San Antonio CBS affiliate KENS reported that Abbott met with state and local officials as crews from more than 20 agencies battle what has been dubbed the Das Goat Fire.
According to KENS, the fire has been raging since Friday (March 25), with at least 1,000 acres scorched in its wake. Authorities said three homes were lost in the fire, but no injuries or deaths have been reported.
“You can rebuild property,” Abbott said, according to the station. “If you lose a life, you can’t rebuild anything. These are challenging times across the State of Texas with regards to different kinds of disasters.”
KENS reported that crews contained about 10% of the Das Goat Fire as of March 27.
Abbott, a Republican, said that the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens have contributed personnel, according to the station.
County leaders advised residents to be ready to evacuate should the action be necessary.
Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart issued a disaster declaration of his own, KENS reported.
Officials warned citizens that smoke plumes would make their way to San Antonio and the cities of Bandera, Pipe Creek, Boerne, Comfort and Kerrville.
A Medina County Office of Emergency Management spokesperson told the station that a car fire was the original source of the blaze.
Abbott urged Texans to remain weather-aware as the state responds to fire activity.
“Continue to heed the guidance from local officials to keep [your] loved ones safe,” the governor said in the release. “I ask that Texans join the first lady and me in praying for those affected by the fires and severe weather that has impacted many parts of the state.”
The Das Goat Fire follows the wildfires in west central Texas and the spat of tornadoes that razed most parts of the state, which all occurred this month.
