Gov. Abbott declares 6 Texas counties disasters after wildfires

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Greg Abbott has declared six Texas Panhandle counties disaster areas following deadly wildfires.
Abbott issued the proclamation Saturday to help clear the way for government assistance in Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts and Wheeler counties.
A statement from Abbott says Texas officials have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a disaster designation to activate the agency’s emergency loan program. The funds would be used to help eligible