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Texans affected by wildfires urged to report property damage

By FOX 7 Austin Digital Team
Published  March 20, 2022 3:58pm CDT
Texas
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is encouraging Texans affected by the recent devastating wildfires to report damage to property.

Texans can report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. 

City of Ranger reduced to rubble after Eastland County wildfire

Ranger, Texas residents are reflecting after losing several buildings in their city to the Eastland County complex wildfires.

TDEM says that the details provided in the survey assist emergency management officials across the state gain an understanding of damages sustained, and help officials determine if the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify needs for immediate resources such as food and shelter.

The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in English and Spanish online by clicking here and clicking on Wildfire Outbreak March 17th.

Reporting damage through iSTAT surveys is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, says TDEM, adding that filling out an iSTAT survey also does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

TDEM has published a tutorial video explaining the iSTAT surveys on the TDEM Facebook page.

In response to wildfire weather conditions, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for several Texas counties, activated the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate state resources, and mobilized state assets.

Gov. Greg Abbott gives update on Eastland Complex fires

Gov. Abbott says local and state officials are working successfully together to contain the West Texas wildfires, and their main focus is on saving human lives.

The counties included in the disaster declaration are:

  • Brooks
  • Brown
  • Coleman
  • Comanche
  • Eastland
  • Grayson
  • Mason
  • Potter
  • Randall
  • Reynolds
  • Williamson

Wildfire resources for Texans can be accessed on the TDEM website.

TDEM says it encourages Texans to remain weather aware and heed warnings of local officials this week as critical fire weather continues, winter weather is forecast in the Panhandle, and severe spring storms are expected to impact large portions of North, Central, and East Texas on Monday.

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MORE HEADLINES: 
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Deputy dies while trying to save people from Eastland County wildfires
Eastland County wildfire takes life of County Deputy, destroys 40 homes
Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for 11 Texas counties in response to wildfires
Texas wildfires fueled by gusty winds prompt evacuations
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