Wildfires have consumed nearly 2,000 square miles of the Texas Panhandle, devastating families and job creators alike.

Below you’ll find key resources for recovery and relief efforts. Additionally, the Texas House of Representatives Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires will hold public hearings in Pampa, Texas on April 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th, 2024.

The public is allowed to make in-person comments during the hearing on April 4^th.

You can submit comments electronically related to the following:

• Factors contributing to wildfires
• Allocation of state resources
• Suggestions on mitigation
• Landowner testimony

SBA Approves Disaster Declarations for Panhandle Wildfires

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Governor Greg Abbott’s request for disaster declarations in certain Texas communities affected by the wildfires. Approved counties include Armstrong, Carson, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler.

These disaster declarations mean that low-interest loans will be made available to qualifying individuals who need help rebuilding their homes and businesses.

The SBA has granted access to its Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide low-interest loans to qualifying homeowners, renters, and businesses in affected communities following the Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Reporting Damage

If you sustained damage from the fires, report it to Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). This information is reviewed by officials when determining the disaster’s impact on an area.

Additionally, consider these tips when navigating the claims process.

Stay Up To Date

The Texas Department of Emergency Management will share helpful resources and information online. Follow their social media platforms for updates and notifications!

Website: https://tdem.texas.gov/disasters/24-0001-feb-wildfires

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TxDEM

Twitter: @TDEM https://twitter.com/TDEM

Be Prepared

The Texas Department of Emergency Management has shared some tips about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your business. To read these tips, click here.

Other State Resources

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Wildfire Resources
• Texas Animal Health Commission: Wildfire Information for Livestock, Details on Emergency Waivers for Animal Movement
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Protecting Farms & Ranches from Wildfires, Supporting Wildfire Survivors with Agriculture Needs
• Texas Department of Agriculture: Hay Hotline, AgriStress Hotline, State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund
• Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: Request Veterinary Support
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Panhandle Wildfire Information, Air Quality Monitor, Wildfire Smoke And Your Health‍
• Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance claim filing helpline phone number is 1-800-252-3439
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Guidance From Health Officials on Returning Home After Wildfires
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Roadside Assistance 1-800-525-5555‍
• Texas Department of Transportation: Road Closure Map
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Housing Resources for Texans Impacted By Wildfires
• Texas Health & Human Services Commission: Dial 2-1-1 for social services and disaster-related information such as extreme weather shelters, crisis counseling, and food, rent and utility payment assistance.