TEXAS (scroll below for Oklahoma or tap/click here)
Gov. Greg Abbott activated state resources Monday to help combat wildfires in the Texas panhandle. In support of local efforts, the governor has deployed Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid Strike Teams to assist local first responders. Other state agencies engaged in support of local officials include the Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
Abbott issued the following statement regarding the situation:
“As wildfires continue to spread in the Panhandle this evening, threatening Texans and their property, I have deployed resources to the region to help combat the fires,” said Abbott. “Due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, I encourage local residents to heed all warnings from local emergency management officials as firefighters work swiftly to contain the fires. Cecilia and I extend our prayers to the firefighters injured while combatting these fires, and we thank all first responders for their tireless efforts on the front lines of this dangerous situation.
For Cattle Raisers affected by the Higgins/Canadian fire, Missy Bonds has informed us that Forrest Watson with Spitzer Animal Health plans to be in the area Thursday with a van load of Vetericyn spray and Pen G to donate to help treat burned livestock around Lipscomb County. Watson will be at the Higgins Fire Department Thursday morning and will stay until dark or he runs out of products. For more information, find him on Facebook.
Capital Farm Credit has also set up a webpage for those affected by the fire or would like to help, including where to take injured animals, find processors and of need for emergency hay or fencing. Visit https://www.capitalfarmcredit.com/news/txfire-relief-efforts-2017 for more information.
The Texas Animal Health Commission has also set up a webpage for wildfire information at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/emergency/index.html.
From TAHC:
Wildfires have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of property, financial, and environment damage to local communities. Animals may be displaced and need temporary sheltering, feeding, and care. They may also be injured or deceased and need veterinary attention or disposal. Please refer to the information below to learn more about animal identification and carcass disposal.
Lost or Found Animals
- If you find cattle or other livestock with official identification, document the number, location of the animal(s), and call the TAHC at 512-719-0733 or 806-354-9335 and TAHC will contact the owner. If you find stray cattle that have a brand, call Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) at 817-332-7064 for brand identification.
- If cattle have strayed onto your property, you must report them to the sheriff’s office in the county you are located in within five days of discovery to be eligible for reasonable payment for maintenance of or damages caused by the estray livestock. For more information regarding Texas’ estray laws visit: Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 142.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Education Network has a page for Wildfire Resources…
Livestock and ranch care post-fire:
- Checklist of Considerations for Post-Fire Management
- Wildfire damage to cattle can be more than the eye can see
- Wildfires leave behind hungry cattle and downed fences
- Catastrophic Animal Mortality Management (Burial Method) Technical Guidance
- Managing Debris From Texas Wildfires
- Managing Waste from Texas Wildfires
For the latest on the Texas Panhandle wildfires, visit Texas A&M Forest Service…
OKLAHOMA
Gov. Fallin Declares State of Emergency for 22 Counties Due to Wildfires, Critical Fire conditions
Governor Mary Fallin has issued an executive order to declare a state of emergency for 22 counties due to ongoing wildfires and critical fire weather conditions. The counties included in the governor’s declaration are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Noble, Osage, Payne, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.
Estimates show between 200,000 and 300,000 acres have already burned in Beaver, Harper and Woodward counties alone, where dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue tonight and tomorrow.
Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. It is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary. The executive order is in effect for 30 days and could be amended to include additional counties if conditions warrant.
Fires Burn Out of Control Across Oklahoma with No End in Sight – 400,000 Acres in Flames & Growing
As wildfires burn across the Northwestern part of Oklahoma Tuesday, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays caught up with Oklahoma State Forester George Geissler for his insights on the latest developments of this tragic ongoing event, as he monitors the situation. Read more…
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation announced Tuesday it is spearheading a relief fund for cattlemen affected by these fires in Beaver, Ellis, Harper and Woodward counties. If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395., Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, click here.
If you would like to donate hay or trucking services for hay, you can do so by contacting either the Harper County Extension Office at 580-735-2252 or Buffalo Feeders at 580-727-5530 to make arrangements or provide trucking services.