Oklahoma Wildfires Contained After Rains; Here is How to Help
Farm Sense: Help For Oklahoma Wildfires
After burning for two weeks the Rhea and 34 Complex wildfires have been contained allowing producers to assess damage and start to recoup.
Starting on April 12, the Rhea and 34 Complex fires burned almost 350,000 acres combined. The latest data from the Oklahoma Forestry Services shows:
- 34 Complex in Woodward County burned 62,481 acres
- Rhea Fire in Dewey County burned 286,196 acres
Wildfire containment for the Rhea and 34 Complex wildfires was aided by much needed rainfall in the area from April 20-21 and April 24-25. The moisture was more than what the region had seen in the past six months.
Oklahoma Forestry Services say there are still hot spots within the containment zones of each fire where some cedar trees and other brush are still burning. Containment just means a fire line has been established around the perimeter of the fires, but the spread of the fires should be halted.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture project that 1,500 cattle died because of the fires and estimate the total could reach 2,500 head. The fires also killed two people during the early stages of the blaze.
With the fire nearly put out producers are trying to pick up the pieces and there are ways to help.
Three different relief efforts have been established and will deliver 100% of proceeds to victims of the wildfires to aid them in their time of need.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation
Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation with “Fire Relief” in the memo line and mail to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit www.okcattlemen.org.
Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation
Make checks payable to the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation with “Wildfire Relief” in the memo line and mail to 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. To donate online, visit www.okfarmingandranchingfoundation.org.
Oklahoma Farmers Union Foundation
Make checks payable to Farmers Union Foundation, Inc., with “Wildfire Relief” in the memo line and mail to the attention of Wildfire Relief at P.O. Box 24000, Oklahoma City, OK 73124.
Donating Hay or Supplies
Local agents through the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service are helping facilitate donations of hay, feed, milk replacer and fencing supplies. The following phone numbers can be called to setup a donation through the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service:
- (405) 590-0106
- (405) 496-9329
- (405) 397-7912
Click here for more information on USDA Disaster Assistance resources.
