Reprint from the Progress Times - March 21, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Emergency response teams working in Hidalgo

 

Preliminary information obtained from the Texas Forest Service indicates that state emergency response teams are working toward containing wildfires in Hidalgo and Jim Hogg Counties.

Based on early reports from the Texas Forest Service, the fire is 60 percent contained and 200-plus homes are being evacuated.  Emergency response personnel are completing a fly-over in a helicopter provided by the U.S. Border Patrol; the fly-over will provide firefighters on the ground with additional data so as to better contain the blaze.

The Texas Forest Service has deployed a total of three strike teams, two heli-tankers, and tactical aircraft to the Rio Grande Valley to aid in the response effort.  The Texas Forest Service acts as a coordinator of resources for wildfire response efforts.

Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa, having requested immediate state aid, commended the quick response by emergency response professionals and partners in the community for supporting the firefighting efforts.

"Residents of Hidalgo County should know that the state's emergency response agencies have deployed resources to the area and are working hard to get persons out of harms way and contain the fire.  Firefighters are still in the early stages of combating this fire.  More resources, including aircraft equipped with fire retardant, are on their way.  The situation is still very fluid, but I will update the public as best I can when information is made available to me."

The Texas Forest Service expects red-flag, or high-wind, conditions in the area with winds out of the northwest at speeds of 15-20 mph with gusts topping out at 25 mph.

Senator Hinojosa went on to commend local businesses for the part in aiding firefighters with supplies.

"I want to recognize H-E-B grocery stores, Chorizo San Manuel, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for providing canteen service, food, and other support to firefighters and residents in the area.  We have seen great cooperation on the part of government agencies and private businesses participating in a unified effort to get this situation under control."