Texas Wildfire Resources

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Texas Wildfire Resources

Emergency Information and Assistance

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) — August Wildfires

The state’s central resource page for the current August wildfires, including official updates, individual and family resources, damage reporting and links to state agency assistance.

TDEM August Wildfires

2-1-1 Texas: Call for information on evacuation shelters and connections to social services and disaster-related assistance, including food, housing, crisis counseling, rent and utility assistance.

American Red Cross: Provides free disaster services that may include shelter, meals, water, health services, replacement of lost prescriptions or eyeglasses, emotional support, emergency supplies and access to recovery caseworkers. Services are also available to people who do not need an overnight shelter.

Texas A&M Forest Service: Official wildfire information and resources for Texans affected by wildfires.

Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Resources

Report Damage

TDEM Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT): Texans with wildfire damage to homes, businesses or agricultural property should submit an iSTAT damage survey and include photos when possible. These reports help emergency management officials assess the extent of damage and determine recovery needs. iSTAT is a damage-reporting tool and is not an application for disaster assistance.

Access iSTAT through the TDEM August Wildfires page

Insurance and Property Recovery

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Affected Texans should contact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible and document damage before cleanup when it is safe to do so. TDI can answer insurance questions and assist consumers with the claims process.

Texas A&M Forest Service — Post-Fire Assistance: Property owners impacted by wildfire can request post-fire assistance from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Resources address rehabilitation and recovery following wildfire impacts.

Get Help After the Fire

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — Wildfire Cleanup: Provides information on managing wildfire debris, disposing of waste and livestock carcasses, finding appropriate disposal facilities and monitoring air quality during recovery.

TCEQ Wildfire Resources

Farmers, Ranchers and Agricultural Producers

Texas Department of Agriculture — STAR Fund: The State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund provides disaster recovery assistance to eligible agricultural producers. For the Ross Wildfire, qualified producers in Jack and Palo Pinto counties may receive cost-share assistance of up to 80% of eligible expenses. The current Ross Wildfire application deadline is January 13, 2027.

Texas Department of Agriculture — Hay and Feed Hotline: TDA has activated the Hay and Feed Hotline in response to the Ross Wildfire to connect agricultural producers in need with available hay and feed resources.

AgriStress Helpline: Free and confidential 24/7 support for farmers, ranchers and people in agricultural communities experiencing stress or crisis.

Texas Animal Health Commission: Provides wildfire preparedness and recovery information for livestock owners, including guidance on animal displacement, injuries, cattle health after wildfire and disaster assistance resources.

Health, Smoke and Returning Home

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): Provides health and safety guidance for returning to homes and businesses after wildfires, including precautions related to smoke, ash, debris, food, water, generators and cleanup. Residents should not return to evacuated areas until local authorities say it is safe.

DSHS Guidance for Returning Home After Wildfires

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: Provides current air-quality information and guidance on reducing exposure to wildfire smoke. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to smoke.

TCEQ Wildfire Smoke & Health

Today’s Texas Air Quality Forecast

Road Conditions and Travel

DriveTexas — Texas Department of Transportation: Check current highway conditions and road closures before traveling in or near wildfire-affected areas. Conditions can change quickly.

Texas Roadside Assistance: Texas DPS roadside assistance for motorists on Texas roadways.

  • 800-525-5555

Federal Assistance Status

Ross Fire — FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant: FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties. FMAG funding helps state, local and tribal governments with eligible firefighting and fire-management costs. It does not, by itself, make individual homeowners or renters eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Governor’s Announcement on Ross Fire Federal Assistance

Important: Additional state or federal recovery programs may become available as damage assessments continue. Affected Texans should use the TDEM August Wildfires page for the latest official information before applying for programs that require a disaster declaration.

Quick Contacts

Resource Contact
Emergency 911
2-1-1 Texas / Disaster Social Services 211 / 877-541-7905
American Red Cross 800-733-2767
Texas Department of Insurance 800-252-3439
TDA STAR Fund assistance 833-380-8282
TDA Hay & Feed Hotline 877-429-1998
AgriStress Helpline 833-897-2474
Texas Animal Health Commission 800-550-8242
DriveTexas Road Conditions 800-452-9292
Texas DPS Roadside Assistance 800-525-5555

*Information is current as of August 27, 2026 and may change as wildfire conditions and disaster declarations evolve. 

Considerations for Banks

Community banks may wish to evaluate whether temporary accommodations are appropriate for affected customers, including payment deferrals, loan modifications, fee waivers or other hardship assistance consistent with bank policy and safe and sound banking practices.

Banks should also remain alert for disaster-related fraud schemes, including contractor scams, charity fraud, identity theft and imposters posing as government relief agencies.

Operational Preparedness for Banks

Following a wildfire event, institutions should review:

  • Business Continuity Plans (BCP);
  • Employee communication procedures;
  • Branch access and contingency plans;
  • Cash and ATM replenishment needs;
  • Vendor and critical service provider availability;
  • Telecommunications and power resilience; and
  • Insurance claim procedures and documentation.

Common Wildfire Fraud Schemes

Remind customers to watch for:

  • Fake contractor or repair scams;
  • Disaster-relief imposters;
  • Charity fraud schemes;
  • Identity theft using disaster victim information; and
  • Fraudulent insurance or government assistance offers.