HOUSTON (January 17, 2013)--The Texas Forest Service, which is responsible for fighting wildfires, is asking the state Legislature for an additional $27.2 million to add some 90 firefighters and buy equipment as it faces the threat of more devastating fires in the future.

Texas A&M Forest Service official Robby DeWitt said the additional funds are necessary because the agency had to bring in more expensive out-of-state crews in 2011 to help battle blazes during the worst wildfire season in state history.

The House has recommended providing the agency with the same level of funding it received for 2012-13 and the Senate has proposed providing at least the additional funds the agency needs to expand, but the final bill will likely look different from either.