Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation For Wildfires

AUSTIN (AP) – Gov. Rick Perry has issued a state disaster proclamation for 152 counties because of the threat posed by rapidly spreading wildfires.

Burn bans are already in place in those Texas counties. The disaster proclamation allows affected counties to be eligible for state assistance.

To deal with the threat, seven Texas Military Forces utility helicopters have been activated and are stationed in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas-Forth Worth.

One CH-47 helicopter is on standby in Dallas-Fort Worth area. Other state agencies are also responding to the threat, brought on by high winds and dry conditions.

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