CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — First responders around the state are working tirelessly as they give their assistance to the residents in the Panhandle.
Area agencies here in the Coastal Bend are even lending a helping hand.
3NEWS spoke with the Corpus Christi Fire Department along with the local American Red Cross to get an idea of how much manpower is really needed in events like these.
Chief Brandon Wade said CCFD quickly got the request asking for aid yesterday and shared that three firefighters will be sent to provide medical support to those in need.
"We currently have two members already deployed, and today we're going to be activating a third member to go and support the state in the wildfire efforts," Wade said.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a disaster declaration which resulted in numerous counties taking part in evacuation orders.
Wade said that while situations like these are tense and dangerous they provide good field experience.
"They're bringing back some of the best practices for command and control, setting up logistics, medical support missions, tactics and all parts of it," he said.
The Coastal Bend chapter of the American Red Cross is also answering the call for help. Executive director Angie Garcia said she has been screening calls to get qualified volunteers out to the Panhandle.
"And what those specially trained volunteers do is go out into those communities that are being impacted, like in the Panhandle and sheltering folks that are leaving that type of situation," Garcia said.
The organization is also making sure the necessary resources are available to all who need them.
"We'll go in and have comfort kits and hygiene kits and cleanup kits for those that are impacted in the community," she said.
Wade said in times like these, showing up for your neighbors signifies the true mark of being a Texan.
"Being able to support that mission really makes us feel good," he said. "That we're not just affecting Corpus Christians, we're affecting and helping Texans."
Garcia told 3NEWS that the Coastal Bend Red Cross chapter is always looking for more volunteers in case of emergencies like these. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer click here.
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