Texas A&M Forest Service unveils upgraded emergency response hub during ribbon cutting
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -Texas A&M Forest Service held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for its newly upgraded Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a hub designed to improve wildfire response and disaster coordination across the state. The expansion increases the center’s capacity from eight to 24 workstations, enabling it to host more responders and decision-makers.
“We upgraded it from eight desks to 24, which is going to allow us to collaborate with more partners,” said Jared Karnes, Division Director for Fire and Emergency Response.
The upgraded EOC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to monitor wildfire risks, track resources, and enhance collaboration with partner agencies during emergencies.
“The work done in the EOC is vital to our agency’s response to wildfires and disasters,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “As Texas’ population grows, ongoing investment in preparedness and response strategies will be critical to managing the evolving wildfire threat and other all hazard incidents.”
“These tools provide better preparedness, better coordination with our partner agencies, and really a better service and response to the state of Texas,” Karnes said.
The upgrades were made possible through the support of the Texas A&M University System, with Chancellor John Sharp praising the Forest Service’s efforts to safeguard Texans.
“Texas has the best disaster response program in the United States, and, largely, that is due to the hard work of the men and women of Texas A&M Forest Service,” said Sharp during his remarks at the event. “I am certain that this updated facility will help the people of Texas A&M Forest Service to serve the state even better.”
Karnes added that the renovations ensure responders can work together seamlessly.
“If you’re not at the table, there are a lot of things that you may miss out on,” Karnes said.
In addition to monitoring and coordinating resources, the EOC provides geospatial services, supports wildfire detection systems, and manages mobilizations through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).
To illustrate the center’s impact, since January 2024, the EOC has:
• Deployed 1,400 personnel and 190 pieces of equipment for wildfire response from 35 states,
• Coordinated 130 aircraft that dropped more than 1.6 million gallons of water and retardant on wildfires statewide, and
• Mobilized 2,500 personnel, 480 engines, and five high-profile vehicles through TIFMAS.
The center also serves as a critical information hub for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, state and national coordination centers, and volunteer fire departments.
“In partnership with our other ‘Keeping Texas Prepared’ agencies, Texas A&M Forest Service will continue adapting to ensure that communities are better prepared, minimizing the risk and loss during wildfire incidents,” said Davis.
Officials say this investment reflects the Forest Service’s motto, “Keeping Texas Prepared,” and strengthens its partnerships with agencies such as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
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