Strengthening Texas’ Defense: Lessons from the Panhandle Wildfires on Emergency Preparedness
by COL Terry Wilson, US Army, Retired • TX-20 Representative
In February 2024, Texas faced its largest recorded wildfire, devastating the northeastern Panhandle and causing significant loss of life and property. Tragically, three individuals, including Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, lost their lives. The fires consumed more than one million acres and destroyed 138 homes and businesses. Additionally, the fires killed over 15,000 head of cattle, a large percentage of which were carrying unborn calves. This devastated the cattle industry and put at risk the livelihood of many historical and legacy ranches. The total economic loss could exceed $1 billion, with agricultural losses already estimated at $123 million.
Emergency preparedness is a cornerstone of public safety, especially here in Texas. Recent experiences, from Winter Storm Uri to Hurricane Harvey, the devastating 2024 Panhandle wildfires, and the massive flooding in Southeast Texas have painfully highlighted the need for robust intergovernmental coordination and substantial investment in emergency management services.
It is widely accepted that all disasters are local and local management is of the utmost importance when responding to emergencies, as local volunteers and first responders are already at the site and are deeply familiar with their communities. Local responders are well-versed in navigating their own terrain, knowing the quickest routes and strategic access points to the land they protect. They are adept at adjusting response strategies as conditions change. Bolstering these efforts will help mitigate the impacts of such disasters and protect the well-being of all Texans.
Key Areas of Improvement
During the month of April, the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires met in Pampa, Texas. Consisting of State Representatives Ken King, Dustin Burrows, and Todd Hunter; and public members Jason Abraham and James Henderson, the committee was tasked with investigating factors contributing to the wildfires. This was followed by assessing allocation of resources to and effectiveness of wildfire disaster preparedness and response, and coordination between local, state, and federal governmental entities regarding wildfire prevention, disaster preparedness, and response.
I attended these meetings to better understand the challenges local governments and state agencies faced in this specific circumstance and to support the Investigative Committee on Panhandle Wildfires. As Chairman for the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs, the broader topic of providing oversight for the state agencies of the Texas Emergency Management Council falls within our jurisdiction. The discussions held during these public hearings identified key areas for improvement that warrant further attention.
The Role of the Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Committee Responsibility
The House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs is composed of nine State Representatives and has jurisdiction over a wide array of matters related to emergency preparedness in Texas, including overseeing the vital relationship between the State of Texas and the federal government on issues of defense and emergency preparedness. By working together and making informed decisions, the committee is committed to giving Texas the necessary tools to handle emergencies, whether they stem from natural disasters or potential terrorist threats.
Oversight of Key State Agencies
The recent Panhandle wildfires have shown us the widespread impact these emergencies can have across the state, demonstrating just how crucial it is for all levels of government to work together more effectively. Through our oversight of the Texas Military Department, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other key state agencies, we are dedicated to improving the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This leads us to the essential role of the Emergency Management Council, which coordinates these efforts across various agencies to optimize our state’s readiness and response strategies.
Explanation of Emergency Management Council
The Texas Emergency Management Council is composed of 34 state agencies, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations that collaborate and manage statewide disaster response and recovery efforts. The council supports the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) by providing expertise, resources, and personnel to enhance the state’s preparedness and response capabilities.
Agencies involved include the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineering Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Department of State Health Services, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and many others, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management across Texas.
One important thing to note is that the Texas Division of Emergency Management is the only member agency of the Emergency Management Council whose primary mission is emergency management. The remaining 33 agencies contribute to emergency management as a secondary role. These support agencies should be properly equipped and funded such that assisting in emergency response does not impede their primary mission.
Natural Disasters in Texas
Increase in Natural Disasters and Statement on Insurance
In the last decade, Texas has experienced a troubling increase in natural disasters, including devastating wildfires, severe storms, and flooding. These events have caused extensive damage to property and business owners, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. Homes have been destroyed, businesses shuttered, and entire communities displaced.
Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) shows that the frequency and financial impact of billion-dollar climate events have risen significantly across the U.S. since 1980. Over the past 44 years, the country has faced 377 weather and climate disasters, with combined damages surpassing $2.66 trillion. Similarly, the number of severe weather events in Texas has been on the rise, with a significant increase in the frequency of billion-dollar disasters observed in the past decade. From 2020 to 2023, Texas experienced over three times more billion-dollar weather events compared to the 1980s, with 2023, 2021, and 2019 recording the highest numbers, respectively.
This escalation in natural disasters has led to skyrocketing insurance prices, making it increasingly difficult for property and business owners to obtain affordable coverage, or obtain any coverage at all. The financial burden of higher premiums, coupled with the costs of rebuilding and recovery, is straining the resilience of affected Texans, and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures across the state. Given the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, local governments adopt proactive emergency management strategies to mitigate the impact. This is crucial not only for enhancing the resilience of communities but also for managing the escalating costs associated with disaster recovery and insurance.
Emergency Preparedness in Williamson County
Local Emergency Management Division
Williamson County, Texas, has established its own comprehensive Emergency Management Division, ensuring proactive and structured disaster response and recovery. The division’s mission focuses on educating, empowering community partners, and coordinating resources for effective all-hazards management. Through the implementation of a Flood Mitigation Plan, a Hazard Mitigation Plan, a Wildfire Protection Plan, a Local Emergency Planning Committee, an Emergency Notification System, and a Weather Risk Dashboard, Williamson County remains prepared to face various emergencies. For more information, you can visit their website.
Conversely, many rural counties in Texas lack a dedicated emergency management division, leaving local government officials or county judges to handle these crucial responsibilities. However, these officials often lack specialized training in emergency management, which can hinder their effectiveness in crises.
To address this gap, there is a pressing need to reintroduce emergency training rehearsals. These table-top style exercises aid local officials in understanding emergency response strategies when the stakes are low and allow them to establish key relationships with State counterparts. It is worth noting the Emergency Management Performance Grant, which mandated annual full-scale exercises, was discontinued two years ago; it is crucial we bring them back. In my opinion, disaster rehearsals should occur every two years or whenever a new official is sworn in, ensuring all personnel are prepared and knowledgeable in emergency protocols.
MOUs Between Counties and DoD
Another strategy which is being investigated by the Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee is the untapped resource of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between localities and the Department of Defense. These agreements ensure that resources are readily available and can be mobilized swiftly, rather than scrambling to coordinate assistance amidst the chaos of a disaster. Such proactive planning allows for a more organized and effective response when emergencies occur.
A More Prepared Texas
Texas is the only state whose size and geography make it possible to have a hurricane hit the gulf coast, a blizzard hit statewide, fires ravage the panhandle, floods in the southeast, and severe drought in West Texas all within two years. The unique challenges we face require that we prioritize robust emergency strategies to protect its people and infrastructure.
Strengthening intergovernmental coordination, enhancing local response capabilities, and investing in proactive disaster management measures are not optional but essential. The Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee remains committed to leading Texas toward a safer, more resilient future, ensuring the state is equipped to handle any emergency that may arise. This commitment extends to utilizing insights from recent disasters to refine our local strategies, focusing particularly on areas like Central Texas. Together, we can foster a culture of preparedness that not only anticipates disasters but effectively mitigates their impact.
References: texas2036.org/posts/texas-has-the-most-billion-dollar-disasters-nationwide