TFCA Compiles Important Points From the Panhandle Wildfires Report

The House Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires held three hearings early last month and released its report this week. The full report can be found here.  TFCA has collected notable points from the report for review. 

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“The largest and most destructive of the Panhandle wildfires were caused by electric power poles and lines that had not been effectively maintained or replaced by a utility provider and an oil and gas operator. Although volunteer firefighters fought valiantly to contain the wildfires, response efforts were inhibited by a lack of properly positioned, readily available, and timely dispatched air support on top of ineffective communication and coordination among agencies, local governments, and responders due in part to communications equipment that lacked interoperability. Volunteer fire departments (“VFDs”), which the Panhandle region largely depends on, are grossly underfunded, making it virtually impossible for them to obtain the equipment and resources needed to fight wildfires of this magnitude safely and effectively.” – pg. 20

“Texas must obtain and control its own firefighting air fleet and contract directly with private aerial support providers as needed for improved wildfire response. Additional funding and opportunities must be made available to volunteer fire departments to encourage more proactive and extensive fire mitigation strategies that will protect the people and industry the region supports. Efforts should be made to upgrade statewide communications systems to facilitate effective communication between all responders. Coordination of wildfire response efforts should be more localized, with primary responsibility for incident management in the hands of VFDs and local government officials, supplemented by agency resources in a supporting role unless and until the incident command is handed over. Efforts must be made to better inform Panhandle residents of available fire mitigation strategies and incentivize their implementation.” – pg. 21

The TAMFS Predictive Analysis Department did not fully perceive the imminent fire risk related to these events. TAMFS claimed that the timing of the fires was outside of the traditional risk zone. The Committee expects more pre-positioning of personnel and equipment in the Panhandle moving forward.  – pg. 25-26

Various mitigation strategies were suggested. – pg. 26

VFD funding, equipment, training and coordination discussed. – pg. 28-31

Proposed purchase of state firefighting aircraft and discussion of air support process – pg. 31-33

“Ineffective communication in wildfire prevention and response was an overarching theme during the hearings. Witnesses described how antiquated communication devices hampered the ability of firefighters to reliably communicate with other responders, state agencies, and representatives of local governments. Volunteer firefighters could not reliably communicate with TIFMAS support firefighters or state emergency services personnel. Pilots of private aircraft could not communicate effectively with contracted aircraft, preventing effective coordination of their efforts.” – pg. 33

“The committee believes rapid adoption and implementation of new technologies is critical to improving fire prediction and modeling. Potential innovations include:

• Use of unmanned aircraft systems
• Maximization of smartphones and tablets in the field
• Geo-tracking and geo-fencing for response resources
• Real-time wildfire modeling and wildfire/disaster information

The committee calls on TAMFS to redouble its efforts to explore and adopt new technologies that will allow Texans to be better prepared for the wildfires to come.” – pg. 35

Formal Committee Recommendations

Allocation of Resources

1. Increase funding to VFDs – pg. 36
2. Establish a state-owned firefighting air fleet & supporting infrastructure to be supplemented with private aircraft contracted directly with the state – pg. 37
3. Legislate job protection for volunteer firefighters – pg. 38
4. Study & make recommendations to achieve greater coordination between local firefighters & TIFMAS – pg. 38
5. Direct TAMFS to maintain a county-by-county database of available firefighting equipment to coordinate use during wildfires – pg. 38
6. Study procurement of surplus emergency vehicles from the Federal Surplus Personal Property Program, Texas Military, or other sources – pg. 39
7. Call on Congress & federal regulators to mitigate dangers posed to firefighters due to vehicle manufacturer compliance with EPA emissions regulations – pg. 39
8. Encourage & incentivize retention of TAMFS agency administrators & personnel – pg. 40
9. Modification to fire mitigation strategies – pg. 40

Intergovernmental Coordination

1. Appropriate funding for modernized equipment to enable reliable communications among first responders, governmental agencies, & local governments – pg. 44
2. Mandate coordination of training & response efforts between FAMFS & VFDs – pg. 45
3. Guidance to TAMFS – pg. 46

Other Considerations

1. Appropriate funding for modernized equipment to enable reliable communications among first responders, governmental agencies & local governments – pg. 47
2. Address insurance coverage concerns & restrict rate increases – pg. 47
3. Prohibit utility rate increases – pg. 47
4. Revisit ranking system for plugging orphaned wells – pg. 47