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 Feb. 20, 2026
Source: Oklahoma Farm Report Oklahoma City, OK -- The wildfire crisis in Western Oklahoma has intensified, with more than 155,000 acres consumed across Woodward, Beaver, and Texas counties. In response to the rapid spread, a State of Emergency has been declared for these three counties to accelerate the deployment of critical resources and state support. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is currently leading a coordinated response, working alongside local authorities and multiple relief organizations to manage the shifting front lines. Immediate Agricultural and Humanitarian Needs As local residents and officials begin to survey the destruction, the full extent of the loss remains unclear. Jessica Reed noted that while damage assessments are ongoing, the immediate needs of the agricultural community are dire. With calving season currently underway for most Oklahoma ranchers, the fires have created a secondary crisis: a significant number of orphaned calves requiring specialized care. Ranchers are facing a critical shortage of: *Hay and livestock feed *Fencing materials *Emergency funds for veterinary care Beyond the livestock losses, the human toll is significant. Several families have lost their homes, signaling the start of what officials describe as a long-term recovery effort. How You Can Help The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation (OCF) has established a relief fund to help cattle producers who have been affected by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma. "We are coordinating with boots on the ground leaders in the Panhandle and Northwest to identify ranchers that are in need," said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association. "The wildfire relief fund at the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation will distribute 100% of received funds to impacted cattle producers. The OCF will establish an application process later this week and encourage impacted producers to let us know the extent of the damage to their cattle operation so we can help directly." If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA). Make checks payable to: Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and put "Fire Relief" in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online click here. We will continue to update this report as new information becomes available. For those looking to support the recovery and relief efforts in Western Oklahoma, please see the resources listed below. Tweet |
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