Speaker creates investigative committee on wildfires

Austin—Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan announced the creation of an investigative committee on the devastating 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The five-member Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires is tasked with studying factors that contributed to the spread of the wildfires, the allocation and effectiveness of firefighting resources, and the coordination between local, state and federal governmental entities in wildfire disaster prevention, preparedness and response.

“The catastrophic wildfires have left a profound mark on the Panhandle region with the Smokehouse Creek fire the largest wildfire in our state’s history,” Phelan said. “It is imperative we fully examine the causes and response to this disaster to ensure Texas is equipped with the proper tools to prevent and respond to future wildfires. In addition to wildfire prevention and response, this investigative committee will study the adequacy of recovery resources to help guarantee the needs of the community are met as they forge ahead from this tragedy. I look forward to receiving the committee’s findings and recommendations that will help us enhance the safety of Texans and their property, and I ask everyone to continue to hold those affected by these wildfires in their prayers.”

Phelan appointed the following members to serve on the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires:

Representative Ken King, Chair

Representative Dustin Burrows

Representative Todd Hunter

Jason Abraham, Public Member

Ashley Cash, Public Member.

The Speaker requested the investigative committee submit a report on its findings by May 1that includes recommended legislative solutions for preventing future wildfires and improving disaster preparedness, response and mitigation.