The Smokehouse Creek wildfire in the Texas Panhandle burned for weeks, destroying ranches, killing thousands of cattle, and leaving ranchers and farmers facing a long road to recovery. On Feb. 26, Garret Duvall of Wichita Falls received a call from his grandparents near Pampa, warning him of the approaching wildfire. Despite their efforts, they were unable to keep the fire from their homestead. Thousands of cattle and two individuals lost their lives in the wildfires that ravaged over 1.5 million acres before being contained in late March, causing extensive damage to homes, structures, and fencing.
Evacuations were underway by the time Mr. Duvall reached his grandparents’ ranch in Robertson County. Though they only lost one calf and managed to save their house, they had to relocate their cattle due to the scorched grazing land. The recovery process for the Panhandle is expected to span several years, with thousands of miles of fencing needing replacement before cattle can return to the ranchlands.
Additionally, the wildfires led to the loss of thousands of cattle, with estimates potentially doubling in the coming months. The destruction of hay stockpiles and grain and seed dealer businesses further added to the challenges faced by the region. Lifelong rancher Lee Wells of Caddo Mills took action upon hearing about the devastation, organizing hay deliveries and rallying volunteers to support the affected ranchers.
Mr. Wells’s efforts, which began with a Facebook post soliciting donations, resulted in a significant outpouring of support. He coordinated the purchase of feed at cost to aid in the relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
I am a rancher in Northeast Texas, and as I mentioned to him, we are just one tornado or hail storm away from being devastated ourselves.
“It breaks my heart to think about what these families are going through,” he continued. “It’s just the right thing to do. I was raised to believe that we should help others when we can.”
At 59 years old, Mr. Smith plans to continue providing feed at cost for as long as it is needed.
Natalie Meeks reached out to Mr. Wells after seeing his social media post and offered to make deliveries to the ranchers.
“I may not have any special skills or hay, but I do have a truck, and I can pull a trailer like nobody’s business,” Ms. Meeks said.
Although she did not grow up on a ranch, Ms. Meeks fell in love with the lifestyle and the people in the industry. She quickly began making deliveries of hay, cattle medicine, and other supplies to the Panhandle.
Ms. Meeks noted the kindness, hospitality, and gratitude of the ranchers in the face of such devastating loss. She emphasized their concern for others before themselves.
In addition to hay and cattle medicine, there is a great need for fencing supplies and volunteers to help with repairs. Ms. Meeks is working on organizing a fundraiser to address this need.
Mr. Wells’s efforts have raised over $98,000 and sent 205 tons of grains and 1,000 bales of hay to the Panhandle. Every penny raised goes directly to feeding those in need.
Despite the ongoing devastation, Mr. Wells is surprised that many people are not aware of the magnitude of the disaster. He is working on a documentary to share the personal stories of the ranchers and farmers affected by the wildfires.
If you would like to donate or volunteer to help with Texas Wildfire Relief’s ongoing efforts, please visit Mr. Wells’s website.
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