Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 143 counties across Texas in response to the increased threat of wildfires.

Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to provide additional state emergency response resources to support local firefighters responding to multiple wildfires burning across the state.

“As the state continues to experience a hot and dry October, Texas is deploying firefighting resources to support local communities at an elevated risk for wildfires,” Abbott said. “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management personnel for their work as we continue to prepare for potential wildfire activity across North and East Texas.”

Ongoing drought conditions from dry, hot weather and wind currents are contributing to increased wildfire risks across North and East Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to three. Wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation or frequent fire weather events.

In recent weeks, more than 80 wildfires have burned over 2,200 acres across the state.

“Texans are urged to prepare for wildfire danger by limiting activities that cause sparks, following instructions from officials, making an emergency plan and keeping emergency supplies readily available,” Abbott said.

Homeowners are advised to keep a well-maintained landscape free of debris and keep fire extinguishers available.

As of mid-October, over 150 counties were under a burn ban.

For wildfire tips and safety information visit TexasReady.gov and tfsweb.tamu.edu.

View the counties and disaster declaration here.