Farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma are facing another year of devastating wildfires. Two separate fires that started on April 12 have collectively burned an estimated 350,873 acres. Livestock losses have not yet been assessed but are said to be “astronomical” and could exceed the number lost last year, which was estimated at more than 3,000 head.
The Rhea fire burning in Dewey and Custer County, north of Weatherford, OK, had consumed 283,095 acres, according to the morning incident report on April 19, and had destroyed 50 residences. The fire is burning in an area of tall grass, brush and red cedar and, as of WLJ press time, was just 15 percent contained.
The 34 Complex fire located 6 miles north of Woodward is being fueled by short grass, tall grass and timber. As of April 19, it had burned 67,778 acres and was 45 percent contained.
The cause of the fires is not known at this time. Extremely dry conditions, and strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts.
Mike Weber, Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension educator Ag/4-H county extension director in Dewey County, told WLJ the area has not received moisture in some time. “We’ve been real dry in this area. We might have got a tenth or two of an inch here of rain this spring in the past month or month and a half, maybe, but nothing to green anything up. Everything is still pretty brown. We don’t have any green up yet to even help.”
When asked if there was any estimate on livestock losses, Weber said, “I don’t have specific numbers, but I can tell you it is astronomical—it’s tremendous.” He added, “I can tell you that people that got hit the first day, on Thursday, and they thought they maybe just lost a few pairs, dozens; now they’ve had to go back in the last couple of days and they are euthanizing more of them because of the smoke and burn damage.”
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association President Weston Givens said, “From what we’ve heard from our members, the losses are very catastrophic. The losses in 2017 fires were terrible, but I feel like the damage from this fire will be worse and there will be a larger number of producers affected.” He added that actual numbers are not available at this time and won’t be until the fires are more controlled. “We humbly ask for prayers and continued support to the firemen and all those affected by these devastating fires,” he said.
Numerous organizations and agencies including the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) have set up relief efforts for farmers and ranchers. Tiffani Pruitt, OCF coordinator, said, “One thing we’ve learned from the wildfires in the past few years is that folks are quick to want to help those in unfortunate situations, and that is truly humbling. The OCF is happy to provide a place for funds to be held. We will coordinate with the extension offices in the affected areas to organize relief efforts and to identify ranchers that are in need.” Information on donating or applying for funds is available online at www.okcattlemen.org.
“Hay is the number one need right now,” said Dana Bay, Woodward County OSU Extension educator. “Ranchers that were able to save their cattle but lost grass and hay of their own are in desperate need of hay to sustain those animals.” People with hay to donate can contact Bay at 405-590-0106.
Producers who have experienced losses can also apply for assistance through their local USDA Farm Service Agency office. Weber said those applying for claims will need to provide records and proof of loss.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency on April 13 for 52 counties in the state due to the fires and ongoing drought conditions. Under the governor’s executive order, state agencies may make purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. This is also the first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.
A representative of Oklahoma Forestry Services confirmed that one civilian and one firefighter have died as a result of the fires.
In addition to the fires in Oklahoma, other areas of the U.S. were also being impacted by fires. Providing coverage of only the Oklahoma fires in no way diminishes the seriousness of other fires or the impact of cattle and pasture losses in those areas. — Rae Price, WLJ editor
“From what we’ve heard from our members, the losses are very catastrophic. The losses in 2017 fires were terrible, but I feel like the damage from this fire will be worse…”
