Waco, TX – The Texas A&M Forest Service has unveiled a newly upgraded Emergency Operations Center (EOC) aimed at improving the agency’s ability to respond to wildfires and other natural disasters across the state. The expansion of the center, which now includes 24 workstations—up from just eight—enhances the Forest Service’s capacity to coordinate with key partners and respond more effectively during emergencies.
The new center is equipped with the latest technology, enabling real-time tracking of wildfire activity, resource allocation, and seamless communication with other state agencies. This technological upgrade is particularly crucial as Texas continues to face increasing wildfire threats. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 wildfires ravaged the state, burning more than 1.2 million acres.
Wes Moorehead, Deputy Director of the Texas A&M Forest Service, emphasized the importance of the center’s role in wildfire operations. “This expansion allows us to have more agency representation, not just with the Texas A&M Forest Service, but also with key partners who make critical decisions about resource deployment during wildland fires,” Moorehead said.
The upgraded EOC is designed to facilitate faster decision-making and resource allocation, which is essential during large-scale wildfire events. With the ability to host more responders and decision-makers in a centralized location, the Forest Service can ensure that critical information from the field is shared efficiently and acted upon in real time.
“Fire has always been a part of our ecosystem. It was here long before humans inhabited this land, and it will remain a part of it for the future,” Moorehead said. “We experience wildfires literally every day somewhere in Texas.”
The EOC’s increased capacity is expected to improve coordination across the state, providing better support for local fire departments and other emergency responders. The Texas A&M Forest Service plays a pivotal role in wildfire management, and the new facility will serve as an important resource in helping protect lives and property across Texas.
“The role that the Texas A&M Forest Service plays is vital,” Moorehead added. “We’re here to support people, protect lives, and help safeguard their property.” With the new center in place, the agency is better prepared to meet the challenges posed by wildfires and other natural disasters in the years ahead.
