OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Large wildfires in Western Oklahoma sparked last week and continue to burn encompassing over 320,000 acres and growing. Many cattlemen and rural communities have been affected.
“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,” said Weston Givens, President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. “I do not have any numbers to share concerning losses and honestly I don’t expect to have any numbers regarding livestock until the winds subside, the fires are more controlled and the (hopeful) moisture moves in over the weekend. We humbly ask for prayers and continued support to the firemen and all those affected by these devasting fires.”
Hay is needed urgently to feed the animals that were saved. If you would like to donate hay, please call 405-590-0106.
A relief fund has been established by the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) to help Cattlemen who have been affected by on-going wildfires in Western Oklahoma. 100% of donations will be distributed to ranchers who have been affected by the fires. Funds will be dispersed 90 days after the fire is out. Applications to apply for fire relief funds can be found at www.okcattlemen.org.
You may donate to this relief effort by mail or online. Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, with “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395., Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit www.okcattlemen.org .
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation was created to provide a charitable trust for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma beef cattle industry and has members in all 77 counties in Oklahoma. To join or learn more visit www.okcattlemen.org.
–Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation
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