How to help with the western Oklahoma wildfire relief efforts
Several foundations are collecting donations for those affected by the wildfires. All proceeds will be distributed toward relief efforts.
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 percent 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. For more information about donating to the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation or for an application for fire relief funds, visit www.okcattlemen.org.
The Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation is accepting donations to help aid in fire relief efforts for those affected by the recent wildfires in western Oklahoma. All wildfire relief donations collected by the foundation will be used to assist those who have been impacted by the fires. To donate, mail checks to the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The foundation can also accept donations via PayPal on the foundation’s donate page. Please designate donations are for wildfire relief Information on donating to the Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Foundation can be found at www.okfarmingandranching.org.
American Farmers & Ranchers is accepting donations through their Farmers Union Foundation, Inc. to assist with wildfire relief efforts. Make checks payable to Farmers Union Foundation, Inc., with “Wildfire Relief” in the memo line. Donations should be mailed to Wildlife Relief, P.O. Box 24000, Oklahoma City, OK 73124.
In addition, hay donations may be made through the OSU Extension. “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 their grass and hay of their own are in desperate need of hay to sustain those animals.” To donate hay, please contact Dana Bay at 405-590-0106.
Another great need is fuel for the local fire departments.
Contact:
Fire Chief Jason Paulsen, 580-821-1688
The Bison Short Stop, Owner Charles Goldston, 580-488-3522
The Bank of the West, 580-488-2001
Rural Fire Departments in need of funding:
- Leedey Fireman Fund, Bank of the West, PO Box 38, Leedey, OK 73654
- Taloga Fire Department, C/O Taloga City Office, PO Box 37, Taloga, OK 73667
- Checks may be made to the ValleE account at Great Plains Bank-Taloga for immediate use for fuel and to repair fire trucks.
- Checks made to Taloga Fire Dept will go into the city account, with funds available upon approval. - Seiling Fire Dept., PO Box 1043, Seiling, OK 73663
- Town of Vici, Meno: Wildfires, PO Box 183, Vici, OK 73859
- Butler Fire Dept., 105 N. Main, Butler, OK 73625
- Camargo Fire Dept.
Western Oklahoma Wildfire Initiative
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist landowners in Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Harmon, Harper, Roger Mills and Woodward counties with conservation practices. By providing technical and financial assistance for conservation practices, this allows landowners to improve grazing land that has been effected by the recent wildfires. Those interested in participating should apply at their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2018.