Brazos Valley Ranchers extend a helping hand amidst unprecedented wildfires in the Texas Panhandle

BEDIAS, Texas (KBTX) -Texans are standing strong as the state grapples with its largest wildfire, scorching over a million acres in the Panhandle. The destructive blaze, known as the Smokehouse Creek Fire, has spread across multiple counties in the northeastern Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma, leaving ranchers and livestock owners grappling with the loss of vital supplies.

As the flames continue to consume the landscape, hope emerges from the Brazos Valley, where a group of ranchers from Grimes and Madison Counties has stepped up to provide much-needed assistance. The team which includes ranchers Dewey Clark, Jarrod Dreher, Kyle Burts, Keegan Snyder, and Clayton Murphy recently completed a more than 1,100-mile journey to and from the disaster zone, delivering over 250 round bales of hay and various donations to support those affected.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire, which started back on February 26 has not only posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of ranchers but has also prompted a massive response from across the state. With an incident command led by the Texas A&M Forest Service, a total of 313 personnel are tirelessly battling the flames, and the efforts have seen a 44% containment of the perimeter. According to the forest service the fire is expected to be fully contained next week as crews work around the clock to reinforce fire lines and address flare-ups.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell was there Tuesday morning as Clark and Dreher, along with others, headed out to help with hay and show support to wildfire victims.

“In 2011 we had some fires here, and I know they come from all over down here to help us, so we were glad to be able to help them,” said Clark.

Tammy Harvey, a key organizer of the relief efforts with family ties to Maimi in Roberts County says while this fire is somewhat personal, it’s all about being a good friend and neighbor.

“We’ve been through some tornados through this area, we’ve been through fires through this area, we’ve been through droughts in this area, but nothing as devastating as what those people faced,” said Harvey.

“You know somebody might not consider it a neighbor because that’s 500 miles up there but we’re to help one another and as Christians that’s just what we felt like we needed to do,” Harvey added.

Dreher, a firefighter in College Station says being able to make a difference after seeing the devastation made their efforts even more impactful.

“The owner, he pretty much broke down in tears when we first got there you know, he was just very appreciative. You know the guy was devastated, his whole livelihood was destroyed in just a matter of hours,” said Dreher.

“We’re all brothers and sisters and if we were in need they would be down here to help us so it’s just kind of, just the way you help your neighbor,” Dreher added.

The group from Grimes and Madison Counties say they plan to return when needed and are collecting donations that will be taken to the local fire department overseeing operations in the area. Those wishing to contribute are asked to contact Jarrod Dreher at lldreher@yahoo.com.

Other Companies across the Brazos Valley are collecting donations.

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