Gov. Greg Abbott gives update on efforts

BORGER — With the largest wildfire in Texas history burning just miles away, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with state and local officials Friday to provide updates on ongoing efforts to combat the historic fires and help those affected.

Before meeting with emergency management personnel, Abbott toured areas impacted by numerous fires that have devastated the Texas Panhandle since Monday, burning more than a million acres, killing at least one and destroying hundreds of structures in the path.

“When you look at the damage that’s happened here, it’s just gone, it’s completely gone. There’s nothing left but ash on the ground,” Abbott said.

Abbott confirmed that one person died in the fires, although he could not confirm reports of a second death. Preliminary assessments estimate more than 400 structures were destroyed in the fires, he said.

Abbott praised first responders who worked to contain the fires as 14 state agencies and 45 local agencies battle the flames and assist in recovery.

“The largest fire in the history of the state of Texas cut a path so large that it exceeds the size of some states in our country, and it would have been much worse and much more damaging, not only to property, but to people as well. , but for those firefighters,” Abbott said.