Texas officials are blasting the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its refusal to provide additional assistance in the wake of wildfires that have charred more than 2 million acres in the state, but FEMA is defending the decision.
Gov. Rick Perry released a statement late Tuesday in which he said he was "dismayed" that his April 16 request, which was made before deadly tornadoes swept Alabama, was rejected.
It is not only the obligation of the federal government, but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency,” Perry said.
“Our state has become a model for the nation in disaster preparedness and response, but Texas is reaching its capacity to respond to these emergencies. We will immediately look at all of our options, including appealing the denial, so Texans can receive the resources and support they need as wildfires continue to threaten life and property across our state,” he said.
On Wednesday, however, FEMA spokeswoman Rachel Racusen said federal assistance already has been provided to Texas through grants for response activities.
She said, based on information provided by the state, there was not a need for additional support at this time.
Since November, wildfires have burned more than 2.2 million acres and damaged or destroyed more than 400 homes in Texas.
Two firefighters died in separate incidents in April.
Elias Macias Jaquez, who volunteered with the Cactus department, suffered burns and Gregory Mack Simmons, who was an Eastland firefighter, died, evidently after a vehicle struck him in a smoke-filled area.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Wednesday, “it’s hard to understand how these conditions don’t spell ‘disaster” for this administration.”
“We’ve yet to enter the hottest months of the year and already wildfires have wreaked havoc in Texas – yet our state has not received sufficient federal disaster aid. I will not stop fighting until Texas receives its due attention from President Obama and his Administration,” Cornyn said.
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