Wildfires continue to burn in southwest Kansas, but containment efforts are increasing. The Ranger Road Fire that started in northwest Oklahoma before moving into Kansas has burned an estimated 283,283 acres thus far and is 15% contained, according to reports from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry. The agency also reports that the Stevens Fire has thus far burned an estimated 12,428 acres in Oklahoma and Kansas and is 50% contained.
Ranchers in the hardest-hit areas have lost fence, livestock and forage resources. KLA is helping organize hay and fencing donations for delivery to affected areas in Kansas. To make in-kind donations, call KLA at (785) 273-5115. Cash donations can be made through the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF), KLA’s charitable arm, by clicking here or sending a check, with “wildfire relief” written in the memo line, to 6031 S.W. 37th, Topeka, KS 66614. KLF is a 501 c(3) organization. Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible.
Monetary donations also can be made to the Ashland Community Foundation by clicking here or sending a check to P.O. Box 276, Ashland, KS 67831. Checks can be dropped off at the Stockgrowers State Bank (622 Main Street, Ashland, KS 67831), as well. Be sure to put “wildfire relief” in the memo line. Donations will be used to help fire victims in all five counties affected: Meade, Clark and Comanche in Kansas, and Beaver and Harper in Oklahoma.