Relief efforts established for wildfire support

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas is the second largest fire in U.S. history

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Support lines are set up to help the Texas ag community affected by the ongoing wildfires.

The Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), for example, established the Texas Panhandle Wildlife Relief Fund where people can support farmers affected by the Smokehouse Creek Fire.

“Although we don’t know the full extent of the damage caused by the fires, we do know the losses will be staggering,” TFB President Russell Boening said in a statement. “Farm Bureau is about helping our neighbors and agriculture, and this relief fund is set up to do just that.”

The fire has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest fire in the state’s history and is the second largest fire in U.S. history.

In addition, the TFB has set up livestock supply points.

Fire crossing Hwy 83 again 7 miles south of Canadian. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas is now 200k+ acres and 0% contained. Police Frequency pic.twitter.com/xpoL877Iz0

— Peanut (@Peanut21167320) February 27, 2024

Those with hay, feed, equipment or other items to donate can contact a coordinator to set up the donation.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is also trying to help.

It has too set up livestock supply points for livestock feed and other ranch supplies.

Extension agents and the Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit are also helping residents who sustained losses because of the wildfires as of Feb. 26.

The Working Ranch Cowboys Association is collecting donations for its Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

Another industry organization, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, is providing opportunities for people to donate to relief efforts in Texas and in Oklahoma.

“TSCRA’s Disaster Relief Fund provides financial assistance to ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster and consequentially are financially needy or otherwise distressed,” the donation page says.

The STAR Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is also available.