State approves $630 million in wildfire legislation following Smokehouse Creek fire

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After last year’s devastating Smokehouse Creek fire, Texas lawmakers have passed new wildfire legislation that puts $630 million towards firefighting and prevention efforts across the state.

The funding approved during the 89th Texas Legislative Session and signed by the governor goes to the Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments. Major investments include wildfire suppression aircraft, volunteer fire departments, and new technology to help departments respond more quickly to emergencies.

The new funding to Texas A&M Forest Service includes:

• $257 million for the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft
• $192,291,000 for volunteer fire department grants for outstanding unfunded requests
• $124,754,143 for wildfire and natural disaster expenses incurred during 2023-2025
• $44 million in additional funding for volunteer fire department grants
• $2,056,918 in motor vehicle purchases
• $2,044,444 in volunteer fire department insurance from Fund 5066 increases
• $2,004,148 in additional funding for group insurance
• $4 million in certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool
• $500,000 in a database of wildland firefighting equipment in the state

“This funding will support the purchase, operation, and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft,” said Hughes Simpson, assistant director of the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Additionally, the state also made a historic investment in the volunteer fire departments. This is the state’s first line of defense against wildfires.”

A key part is Senate Bill 767, which authorizes the creation of a statewide equipment database that helps departments locate and share firefighting resources faster.

“This database will include a public-facing searchable feature where fire departments can quickly access what type of equipment is available at their neighbors,” Simpson said.

The Texas A&M Forest Service will manage the database, and volunteer departments across the state will have access.

Another bill, Senate Bill 34, directs Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University to conduct a wildfire risk study. The study will help define wildfire risk zones based on fuel loading and threats to residents.

Lawmakers said the new legislation is designed not only to recover from the devastating 2024 fire season but also to help prevent future disasters before they start.