The largest wildfire in Texas history is finally contained, leaving a vast sea of burnt destruction in path its path, including homes, structures, vehicles and livestock.
While it could take months to determine the exact number of cattle killed or injured from the blaze, estimates in the Texas Panhandle show more than 7,000 lost. Making things worse, the fire broke out during calving season, burning cows with calves and pregnant cows. The number of cattle that may have to be euthanized with severe injuries could push the number up to 10,000.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the largest of several fires battled by firefighters was the Smokehouse Creek fire which began in Hutchinson County near Stinnett on Feb. 26. The wildire burned 1,058,482 acres (1,654 square miles) during a three-week as it spread across several counties, killing at least two people and destroying hundreds of homes.
The smaller Windy Deuce, Wellhouse, Grape Vine Creek and Mills Creek fires — also in the Texas Panhandle — burned a combined 179,000 acres and were also reported as 100% contained by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Meanwhile, with grazing land and essential resources burned, cattle that did survive continue to suffer. Grazing land relied on by ranchers generally takes about two years to be restored. Approximately 120 miles of powerlines were burned, along with seven grain and seed dealers being completely wiped out.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has set up disaster loan outreach centers in Canadian and Borger for people affected by the wildfi res. The State Agriculture Relief Fund, administered by the state office, also received more than $800,000 in donations for farmers and ranchers devastated by the fires.
Areas to donate livestock supply have been established throughout the Panhandle, with an outpouring of feed and hay arriving from all the over state and neighboring states to assist producers.