Wildfires Raging in Texas, Oklahoma Panhandle Region Threaten Residents and Livestock

Wildfires have burned almost totally out of control since Monday afternoon in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle regions, threatening ranchers' homes, livestock and equipment. The Smokehouse Creek Fire had traveled 45 miles and consumed 850,000 acres by mid-day on Wednesday, making it the second-largest fire in Texas state history. (The AP reported the fire had consumed 1,300 square miles.)

Additional information and resources are continually updated and available online at www.tscra.org/disaster-relief-fund.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation Disaster Relief Fund here.

Officials were still assessing the damage, but homes had burned in at least two Texas towns and one Hemphill County official said "homes have burned in almost every direction."

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is urging donors to give to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund to assist those affected by the fires.

“A fire is one of the most tragic events that can impact ranches, and a natural disaster such as the widespread wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma can result in financial hardships and deep impacts to our ranching communities,” said TSCRA President Arthur Uhl. “Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is here to help through means of financial assistance and we’re encouraging those who can to donate to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund.”

The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support for cattle raisers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster. All contributions to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund are tax deductible.

For more information, including how to donate and how to apply for funding visit tscra.org/disaster-relief-fund/ or contact TSCRA at 800-242-7820. Additional resources for victims impacted by these wildfires are also available tscra.org/disaster-relief-fund/ . 

On Wednesday morning, officials said that fire behavior had moderated with decreased winds but that fires were still actively burning. While the Smokehouse Creek Fire was the largest, other active wildfires in the region include the Windy Deuce Fire, which has burned 40,000 acres and is 20% contained, and the Grape Vine Creek Fire, which has burned 30,000 acres and is now 60% contained.

In Oklahoma active wildfires include the Slapout Fire in Beaver County, 77,000 acres burned; the Catesby Fire in Ellis County, 30,000 acres burned; the E1980 Rd Fire in Choctaw County, 5,500 acres burned; and the Sand Creek Fire, 2,385 acres burned.

For those looking to donate hay, fencing and feed to cattle raisers impacted by wildfire, the below drop points have been identified in the Texas Panhandle:

Hemphill County Livestock Supply Point

100 Hackberry Street

Canadian, Texas 79014

(806) 323-9114

Pampa Bull Barn / Top O' Texas Fairgrounds Livestock Supply Point

301 Bull Barn Drive

Pampa, Texas 79065

Curtis Preston: (806) 946-7467

Additional information and resources are continually updated and available online at www.tscra.org/disaster-relief-fund.